Resolve land issues before oil exploration, Kerio residents say

Daniel Chesire addressing the Press at Kerio Valley in Elgeiyo-Marakwet. Residents have threatened to move to court and stop Tullow Oil exploration unless they are given title deeds.[PHOTO: KEVIN TUNOI/STANDARD]

Rift Valley; Kenya: Residents of Kerio Valley have threatened to move to court and stop Tullow Company from oil exploring until land feuds in the region are solved.

They said part of the 7,000 square kilometre communally owned land in Kerio Valley lacks title deeds, and has been under inter-clan disputes.

The company has announced plans to commence exploration exercise in the area classified as Block 12A from next year after successful oil finds in Turkana County.

Residents want the exercise stopped to pave way for land adjudication and demarcation before title deeds are issued.

“We are shocked by reports that this region would be explored for oil starting early next year, yet we still have protracted land feuds. The land issue must be solved first to allow a smooth process,” said Daniel Chesire, the chairman of Kayoi clan.

He warned that the situation may escalate if Tullow goes ahead with its exploration exercise.

LAND GRABBERS

“A crisis is looming because there are no clear boundary markers between different clans. Every clan will claim the areas earmarked for exploration,” he noted.

When The Standard visited the area, the residents had erected signposts displaying unofficial clan boundaries.

They said the signposts would help ward off the would be, ‘land grabbers’ from claiming the parcels.

“We rely on special stones and physical features like rivers and hills to mark a boundaries between one clan and another. The signposts have also helped because some unscrupulous people had invaded some areas and claimed they owned it,” said Chesire.

They called for structured talks with genuine residents to prevent middlemen posing as their representatives.

“We shall not entertain people purporting to represent the community in any negotiations with the Government, or with the oil company,” said Fredrick Chesang, chairman of Kerio Valley community and the representative of Keiyo South and North sub-counties.

Mr Chesang expressed concern over ‘brokers’ who have been seen in different forums with the oil company, claiming to be the community’s representatives.

“We don’t want a repeat of a situation such as witnessed in Turkana over the oil issue. We appeal to the concerned authorities to be open and dispel suspicions that might fuel any conflict,” said Michael Kipsalgong, a Kerio resident.

Tullow Kenya Social Performance Manager Robert Gerrits has maintained that the firm will access land only on temporary basis, adding barely seven to 10 acres per oil well would be required.

“The exercise would be undertaken in consultation with government agencies, county leadership, together with the local community. Our work schedule will not affect residents,” said Gerrits.