Kiharu MP Ndindi Nyoro has demanded that the national government ensure oil exploitation in Turkana directly benefits ordinary Kenyans, warning against starting crude oil production while citizens continue to face high living costs.
Speaking at Karema-ini Secondary School on 13 March 2026, where he commissioned three laboratories, Nyoro said Kenya has already invested significant public resources in the Turkana oil project and stressed that its benefits must reach the population.
Kenya’s main oil deposits are in the South Lokichar Basin in Turkana County, with recoverable reserves estimated at more than 300 million barrels. The project is expected to attract KSh789 billion (approximately USD 6.1 billion) in investment over 25 years.
Production is expected to start at about 20,000 barrels per day, rising to around 50,000 barrels per day as more wells come online.
Nyoro questioned proposals for publicly funded transport infrastructure that would primarily benefit private oil investors. He cited the proposed KSh220 billion, 640-kilometre metre-gauge railway from Rongai to South Lokichar as a cheaper alternative.
“It would be extremely wrong and unacceptable if the country begins producing oil but ordinary Kenyans do not benefit from it,” he said.
The legislator urged the Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority not to raise fuel prices, arguing that current stocks were imported before recent Middle East tensions escalated. He noted that about 45% of the cost paid by consumers consists of taxes and levies.
Nyoro called for an immediate review of fuel levies to cushion consumers during global energy uncertainty. He also raised concerns about the government-to-government fuel import arrangement introduced in 2023. Kenya consumes roughly 5.5 to 6 million tonnes of petroleum products annually, about 130,000 barrels per day.
“Leaders were elected by the people to serve the nation, not to pursue personal ambitions or profit from fuel supply deals while Kenyans continue suffering because of high prices,” he said.
