Trans Nzoia County stands to reap major commercial and economic benefits as Kenya moves closer to commercial oil production in the northwest, the county’s deputy governor said on Wednesday.
She cited the county’s strategic location along the planned crude transportation corridor.
Deputy Governor Philomenah Kapkory said increased business activity would follow once crude oil transportation begins through Kitale, boosting local trade and investment.
“After commencement of oil transportation via Kitale, our residents will gain economically due to increased business activities,” Kapkory said after hosting members of the Senate and National Assembly energy committees who were in the county to collect views from residents and stakeholders.
She said the county government would continue working with all stakeholders to ensure local communities benefit from the project, including fast-tracking supportive infrastructure.
“We want to ensure that our people benefit immensely, and that is why we want the setting up of infrastructure like roads that will support this to be accelerated,” Kapkory said.
Where was oil discovered in Kenya?
Lawmakers are seeking public input on the proposed commercial development of six oil discoveries in the South Lokichar Basin, focusing on infrastructure plans, environmental safeguards, community obligations and expected national benefits.
The fields are set to be developed under new contracts with Gulf Energy E&P BV, which has taken over blocks previously held by Tullow Oil.
The delegation was led by Elgeyo Marakwet Senator William Kipkemoi Kisang who is the deputy chair of the Senate Standing Committee on Energy.
Kisang said the consultations were aimed at ensuring Kenyans play a central role in managing their natural resources.
“We are here to ensure that we have captured what you have to say because your opinion matters,” he said.
Local leaders welcomed the initiative but raised concerns over infrastructure readiness.
Should Eldoret-Kitale Highway be expanded?
Matisi ward MCA Obed Mwale said the Eldoret–Kitale Road lacked the capacity to handle heavy trucks expected to transport crude oil and called for urgent upgrades.
Hospital Ward MCA Erick Wafula urged the Kenya National Highways Authority, KENHA, to dual the road from Maili Saba and increase the number of flyovers, warning that increased truck traffic would pose safety risks.
“Trucks already transporting raw materials from West Pokot have caused accidents. Failure to expand the road will lead to more,” Wafula said.
He added that the county had not benefited from corporate social responsibility initiatives linked to the highway authority and called for the establishment of a truck parking bay to support local businesses.
Trans Nzoia Senator Alan Chesang said the national government would continue working with county residents by rolling out additional development projects to improve livelihoods.
“The government remains committed to bringing more development projects to Trans Nzoia to better the lives of our people,” Chesang said.
