Turkana Launches Land Compensation for Thousands Affected by Oil Project
Lodwar, 2 September 2026
Kenya has allocated 200 million shillings to compensate 3,600 Turkana residents affected by upstream oil development, alongside launching vital community land demarcation exercises to secure local property rights.
Securing Property Rights Amid Resource Development
On 1 September 2026, a joint government delegation comprising the Turkana County Department of Lands and Physical Planning, the State Department of Petroleum, and the National Land Commission (NLC) briefed County Commissioner Julius Kavita on the upcoming initiatives [1]. The National Treasury has allocated 200 million Kenyan Shillings for the first phase of this land compensation programme, specifically targeting development structures owned by approximately 3,600 Project Affected Persons (PAPs) [1]. If this initial phase of funding were distributed evenly among the registered PAPs, it would represent an average structural compensation of approximately 55555.556 Shillings per person [1].
Demarcation and Community Sensitisation
Alongside direct financial compensation, the Department of Lands and Physical Planning, led by Leah Losuru, is launching community sensitisation, land surveys, and demarcation exercises in the areas of Lorengippi, Lokiriama, and Nakurio [1]. These efforts are essential for securing formal property rights in Turkana, which is Kenya’s second-largest county, covering an expansive area of 77,000 square kilometres [1]. Establishing clear, legally recognised boundaries is a critical step in preventing land disputes as major upstream oil developments progress [1][GPT].
Fostering Stability for Host Communities and Refugees
The demarcation of community land carries profound implications for regional stability, directly impacting both local host communities and the large refugee populations residing in Turkana [GPT]. The county hosts the Kakuma and Kalobeyei refugee camps, making land tenure security a shared priority [GPT]. By clearly defining community boundaries and securing land rights, the initiative minimises resource-related friction and enhances border safety, thereby ensuring a more secure environment for vulnerable displaced persons who have fled conflict in neighbouring countries [GPT].
Administrative Cooperation and Peacebuilding
County Commissioner Julius Kavita has urged the implementing teams to maintain strict due diligence, transparency, and rigorous verification throughout the compensation process, whilst underlining the vital role of peacebuilding and community engagement [1]. To ensure seamless execution, the Deputy County Secretary for Administration, Joseph Nyang’a, has pledged the full support and cooperation of the Turkana County Government, aiming to improve overall service delivery and secure long-term communal peace [1].