Tullow Oil Kenya announced plans to begin crude oil extraction at its plant in Turkana. County Senate Committee on Energy questioned the company’s opaque operations that have seen it sell two batches of crude oil from the wells since 2012. Kakamega Senator Boni Khalwale said the government should be part of the ongoing exploration team exercise to know the real value of the oil.
The UK-based firm was reported to have sold two batches of crude oil from Turkana oil wells between 2019 and 2022 but did not disclose the amount and its value.The senators questioned the opaqueness of the operations, seeking compensation of up to KSh 13 billion for the locals from the deal. Tullow Oil is expected to release 20% (KSh 10.4 billion) of its proceeds to Turkana County government and 5% (KSh 2.6 billion) to local residents,as reported by Nation.
Kakamega governor Boni Khalwale questioned the viability of the firm in the oil exploration if it is not benefiting the country. Khalawle urged President William Ruto’s administration to utilise available oil resources in collaboration with the firm for the benefit of Kenyans. He said the state should be part of the team carrying out exploration exercises to get the true value of the operation. “Tullow Oil Company has confirmed the presence of vast amounts of oil in Lokichar, extending for kilometres all the way to Lake Turkana. President William Ruto, kazi kwako,” said Khalwale.
Khalwale asked why Tullow, expected to make proceeds of up to KSh 52 billion from the oil exploration, has not made any payments to the county. “They should tell us how they will benefit the people of Turkana and the entire country,” he said. The committee led by Nyeri senator Wahome Wamatinga concluded that they liaise with relevant government authorities to ensure that the government owners its obligations. The senators were speaking during a tour of Turkana County, where they held chamber sittings.
