Politicians threaten to halt oil exploration until locals are given title deeds

Baringo North MP William Cheptumo (left) and his Baringo Central counterpart Sammy Mwaita at a past event in Baringo County. [PHOTO: KIPSANG JOSEPH/STANDARD]

Nairobi; Kenya: Political leaders from oil-rich areas in Kerio Valley have vowed to halt exploration until locals are given title deeds.

Speaking to The Standard by phone, MPs William Cheptumo (Baringo North) Sammy Mwaita (Baringo Central), Woman Rep Grace Kiptui and MCA Johanna Chebon (Kabarnet ward) have complained of being kept in the dark on matters regarding exploration by Tullow Oil plc.

The oil company has hinted at starting exploration of Block 12A, which covers Baringo, Elgeyo Marakwet, Turkana, Samburu and West Pokot counties, by 2015.

The leaders said they supported the oil exploration but insisted that for smooth operations, Tullow should wait for locals to get titles to avoid unnecessary conflicts between the company and the community.

"Tullow Oil has not involved the leaders to reach an amicable solution. We have tried to meet them as leaders from Baringo and Elgeyo Marakwet but that has not happened yet," said Mr Mwaita.

Mr Cheptumo said title deeds were key before exploration and called on both the county and national governments to speed up title deeds matter as it was the residents' right.

general gains

"If a sponsor is needed to pay for title deeds, then Tullow should support the locals," said Cheptumo.

They questioned the company's seeming hurry to explore oil in Kerio Valley, saying exploration and land were long-term undertakings that were close to the locals' hearts.

"Why the hurry? Even if it's a national government affair, the county government has a stake as does the community. What we want is justice for our people. So let us solve the land issue first,"said Ms Kiptui.

Governor Benjamin Cheboi has, however, assured the locals that title deeds would be issued before the exploration kicked off.

"You will get your title deeds before Tullow starts exploration. All you need to do now is solve boundary disputes among yourselves so the land documents are straightforward," Mr Cheboi said.

At a previous stakeholders' meeting in Kabarnet, the company's manager, Robert Gerrits, said only necessary land would be utilised and between seven and 10 acres per oil well would be necessary.

"Tullow Oil is keen on developing a strong stakeholder engagement and come up with structured mechanisms to actualise it," Mr Gerrit said.

Cheboi said the policies surrounding compensation, royalties and general gains the locals would get should oil be found were yet to be agreed on.