Former minister Nicholas Biwott has urged the government to consult residents
before exploring for oil in Turkana and Elgeyo Marakwet counties.
He said failure to involve residents in exploration and extraction may lead to conflicts.
“We have
seen civil wars in Nigeria and Congo because of natural resources. We would not want
Kenya to go the same route,” Biwott said.
He said the
Movement for the Emancipation of the Niger Delta militant group in Nigeria
arose due to government failure to improve the lives of communities
through oil proceeds.
Speaking on
Friday in Soi South, Elgeyo Marakwet, during the launch of a Keiyo community
foundation, Kokwetab Keiyo, Biwott said the government should
have a clear road map on how communities will benefit from oil.
He urged Keiyo professionals to engage the government and Tullow Oil following the discovery of oil in Keiyo South in March.
“This is not
a political organisation. It is a group that brings together elders and
professionals to champion the interests of our community,” Biwott said.
Tullow Oil
announced the discovery of oil, with significant oil generation in Chepkulet 1
well in Block 12A of the Kerio Valley in Keiyo South on March 16. It is
currently exploring oil in Marakwet and Baringo.
The firm has
also announced the drilling of crude oil in Ngamia 1, Turkana county from 2017.
Biwott was
accompanied by Elgeyo Marakwet speaker Albert Kochei and several MCAs.
