Lodwar, March 3, 2026 (Governor’s Press Service)-Governor Dr. Jeremiah Lomorukai has called for stronger collaboration between the national and county governments in land acquisition and community engagement processes linked to oil development in Turkana.
The Governor spoke when he met a delegation from the National Land Commission (NLC) and the State Departments for Lands and Petroleum, led by NLC Project Lead Jacob Kipaa, during a courtesy visit to his office.
The team is in Turkana to verify unidentified Project-Affected Persons (PAPs), resolve pending land issues, and conduct stakeholder engagement meetings in Turkana South and Turkana East sub-counties. Approximately 568 persons require verification after not being captured during an earlier inspection exercise.
Governor Lomorukai raised concerns over the adequacy of public participation, emphasising that the county government – as trustee of community land – must be fully involved in all processes related to land acquisition and compensation.
“The county government is the main stakeholder because we hold community land in trust. We must be included in engagements and decision-making processes. We are part of government, and collaboration is necessary,” he said.
The Governor said he had engaged President William Ruto on the matter and assured him of Turkana County’s support for successful oil development that ensures communities benefit.
He urged the NLC and the State Departments to formally involve relevant county departments in verification, registration and compensation processes. He also called on Gulf Energy to support the county’s efforts to strengthen community land registration, noting gaps in documentation.
County Attorney Ruth Emanikor and County Executive Committee Member for Lands Faith Aletea expressed concern that the county lacks comprehensive records of community land registration.
County Secretary Amb. Dr. Richard Ekai also cited transparency concerns in aspects of land acquisition, noting that constitutional provisions governing land administration must be strictly adhered to.Governor Lomorukai further called for the establishment of a Land Registrar’s office in Turkana, observing that the county is currently served from West Pokot.
On Community Land Management Committees (CLMCs), the Governor said some communities had raised concerns over awareness and participation in the registration process and called for a more inclusive approach.
He called for urgent attention to hazardous waste management in oil fields following reports of community members being affected.He cautioned leaders against issuing ultimatums to Gulf Energy, urging that sensitive matters be handled carefully to protect community interests and maintain investor confidence.
Kipaa said the NLC manages community land in accordance with the law. He added that disputes must be resolved before compensation and that all land earmarked for use has been gazetted and will be compensated following valuation and legal procedures.
Gulf Energy’s Social Performance Lead Bethwel Sang said the company is working with the Ministry and NLC to support community land registration and is engaging the County Assembly on revenue-sharing legislation.
Other senior county officials present included and Deputy County Secretaries Joseph Nyang’a and Dr. Albert Gamoe as well as Chief Officer in the Office of the Governor Moses Korea.
