Non-Turkana residents assured security

By Roselyne Obala

Kenya: The Government has assured non-residents of Turkana County of their safety even as it engages in continuous dialogue with Tullow Oil Company and locals.

Senate Energy Committee Chairman Gideon Moi also explained that there were discussions to come up with measures to provide a safe and secure working environment for all employees.

In a ministerial statement by Energy Cabinet Secretary Davis Chirchir, Gideon said the national and county governments are working to resolve emerging issues amicably.

He disclosed that the meetings have brought on board key stakeholders who include Energy and Interior cabinet secretaries, Turkana Senator John Munyes, MPs and local leaders to address the concerns of the locals.

“The safety of non-Turkana employees is guaranteed,” emphasised Gideon, adding that it was unfortunate that Tullow Oil Company had to suspend operations following the stand-off with Turkana residents.

Gideon informed the House that over 1,000 residents have been employed by the company since 2011, and over Sh80 million has been spent in Turkana for supplies.

“Tullow will scale up local involvement as well as support in building capacity to enable the locals participate in the company’s activities,” he explained.

Tullow has offered about 30 postgraduate scholarships, with four going to residents to study upstream oil exploration.

Mandera Senator Billow Kerrow and Munyes demanded an audit of the staff to establish how many slots have been reserved for the locals.

Munyes took issue with the awarding of scholarships, arguing that among the 20 awarded, only two went to Turkana residents.