The two communities pose the greatest danger to the extraction of the resource, which now propels Kenyaâs stature in the world.
"Resources will be used to transform Turkana County and lift the community from poverty," said the minister.
Turkana Central MP Ekwe Ethuro said: " I am a delighted man. This is the year for Turkana County. The discovery will now help our people to relate with the national government."
"The picture of Turkana painted in the media is high illiteracy level, low access to education, health facilities and a starving population. This is an opportunity to reverse all these statistics," Ethuro said.
Turkana South MP Josephat Nanok was elated with the news of oil discovery.
He said the oil was discovered in Nakukulal area, known to locals as Ngamia, 12 kilometres from Lokichar in his Turkana South Constituency.
"This is good news not only for the county but the country," said Nanok.
Over in the heat and dust of Turkana County, residents in the area received the news with a lot of joy and optimism.
The pastoralist community in Turkana said they were elated with the State confirming that potential oil deposits have been found in their county.
"It is a blessing from the Almighty. This is big news to us. For a long time we as a community have lived hopeless lives but alas God has heard our cry for help," said Pius Ewaton, a local leader.
Immediately the news filtered in Lodwar, residents gathered to discuss the good news.
Residents and local leaders said the discovery in parts of Turkana is a breakthrough that will liberate them from the web of poverty, hunger, illiteracy, unemployment and poor infrastructure.
Latest Stories
- Watch out for the ‘catfishes’ on social media
- Cecilia Mwangi gets new pet dog Bobby II, after death of Bobby I
- Furious villagers warn campus chicken thieves of juju attack
- MI5 asked Woolwich murder suspect Michael Adebolajo
- Lamu residents not consulted on Lapsset project
- Manchester United considers move for Marouane Fellaini
