Lokaburu, July 25, 2026 (Public Communication and Media Relations)
Residents of Lokaburu in Turkana South have called for meaningful engagement, improved social amenities and greater transparency as Wilken Energy Limited sought community consent for proposed mineral prospecting activities in the area.
The public sensitization meeting brought together county and national government officials, artisanal miners, community leaders, investors and residents to deliberate on the proposed exploration and the potential economic opportunities associated with the mining sector.
Chairperson Artisanal Mining Committee, Micklam Eregae encouraged artisanal miners to register cooperatives and formalize their operations, noting that licensed groups would be better positioned to benefit from government incentives, institutional support, improved market access and mining equipment.
“The formalization of artisanal mining through cooperatives will strengthen the sector and enable miners to access support from both the County and National Governments while ensuring responsible resource management,” Micklam Eregae said.
Director Litigation, Legal Audit and Compliance Ekal Lokuruka emphasized that mineral prospecting must comply with all legal and regulatory requirements, including obtaining the necessary licences, environmental approvals and continuous community engagement.
“Community participation is a legal requirement. Every relevant government department must be informed and involved during investor engagement to ensure the process is lawful, transparent and protects community interests,” Lomuria said.
Wilken Energy Limited representative Pius Ewoton said the company, which operates in renewable energy and mining, was seeking community consent before commencing prospecting activities.
He assured residents that the company would work within the legal framework and honour agreements reached with the community.
“We are committed to drilling water where possible, supporting the formation of community groups and cooperatives, and working closely with residents. Discussions on additional Corporate Social Responsibility projects will continue once the company receives the necessary certification and licences,” Ewoton said.
Residents welcomed the investment but raised several concerns that they said should be addressed before prospecting begins.
Joseph Ekaru urged the company and government to ensure adequate community participation, saying some residents had not attended the meeting.
“The consultation should continue so that everyone understands the project before implementation,” he said.
Leah Nang’iro expressed optimism that responsible mineral development could improve livelihoods.
“Our hope is that gold resources will create sustainable opportunities for our families, but the community must remain informed throughout the prospecting process,” she said.
Other residents requested the company to prioritise access to water for mining activities, rehabilitation of roads, construction of a secondary school, youth empowerment programmes and employment opportunities..
Inspector of Mines, Walter Kiptui from the State Department of Mining called for closer collaboration among government agencies, investors and local communities, urging miners to establish cooperatives and associations to improve bargaining power and maximise future benefits from the sector.
The meeting resolved that community engagement would continue as the investor pursues the statutory licensing process, with stakeholders agreeing that dialogue, transparency and adherence to legal procedures would be essential before prospecting activities commence.
