Tullow told to unveil exploration plan for Kerio Valley and Elgeyo Marakwet

ITEN: Residents of Kerio Valley in Elgeyo Marakwet County want Tullow company to halt the planned oil exploration in the region until clear compensation terms and rates are agreed upon.

The oil company last month announced it would start exploration in Block 12A, which covers over 7,000 square kilometres in Kerio Valley early next year.

But the residents have said the company should spell to them clearly, what they stand to benefit ahead of the exercise.

Speaking at a meeting in Cheptem market Wednesday, area leaders claimed they lost a lot of property when the company carried out seismic study early this year.

“We need proper explanation on several issues before the company undertakes the oil exploration in this region. According to our understanding, the exercise is very complex and might take a lot of land,” said Michael Kipsalgong, Chepsigot location resident.

LAND COMPENSATION

He said the issue of land compensation should be spelled out clearly. We need to know how much the company would pay for the land they will use for roads, and for drilling.

“In the course of exploration, there are families that are likely to be displaced. We are yet to know if they would be resettled elsewhere, or only compensated,” noted Kipsalgong.

“We want a policy on how we will benefit from the exercise, because last time, we were not compensated when our crops were destroyed. Also, the Government should move with speed and issue us with title deeds because huge chunks of the land earmarked for exploration is still communally owned,” said Chebet Kipsoit, another resident.

But Tullow Kenya Social Performance Manager Robert Gerrits, together with the company’s Environmental Manager Alex Mutiso said the firm will use land on temporary basis while carrying its activities.

The company assured that it would compensate the locals for the loss of property, access of their land during the oil exploration and where possible, source goods and services from them in a bid to fast track the exercise.

CULTURAL VALUES

"The exercise would be undertaken in accordance with the laws. We will consult with relevant government agencies, county leadership together with the local community. Most of those who will benefit are locals," said Gerrits.

To ensure the region benefit from the exercise, the company officials said priority would be given to the local community in terms of job opportunities as well as sourcing for goods and services.

Speaking at an Eldoret hotel during a stakeholder’s engagement meeting from Baringo and Elgeyo Marakwet counties ahead of implementing of the Environmental and Social Impact Assessment (ESIA), the company assured that the exploration process would not pose any danger to the environment, or wildlife.

“The company will use directional drilling technology to avoid interfering with wildlife migration paths, as well as the ecosystems,” noted Mutiso.

He said the company will respect the community's cultural values and their way of life.