The Ministry of Interior and National Administration, Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen has provided detailed security assurances ahead of the implementation of the Field Development Plan (FDP) and Production Sharing Contracts (PSCs) for blocks T6 and T7 in Turkana County.

Appearing before a joint session of the National Assembly’s Departmental Committee on Energy and the Senate Standing Committee on Energy, Cabinet Secretary Hon. Kipchumba Murkomen highlighted the extensive security risk assessment conducted by the National Police Service along crude oil transportation corridors, storage facilities, and export terminals. 

The assessment evaluated potential threats including inter-communal conflicts, banditry, cross-border incursions, illicit siphoning, sabotage, and other criminal activities targeting oil infrastructure.

“The objective was to identify vulnerabilities, evaluate existing security gaps, and put in place proactive mitigation measures to ensure safe and uninterrupted project implementation,” CS Murkomen said. He noted that the assessment also considered socio-economic dynamics, including land ownership disputes, compensation expectations, and community benefit-sharing as potential conflict drivers.

To safeguard operations, the Ministry has outlined a multi-layered security plan. Measures include the deployment of additional police officers, strengthened critical infrastructure protection units, specialized patrols along high-risk zones, establishment of patrol bases along oil corridors, and the enhancement of community policing frameworks. 

Budgetary consultations with the Gulf Company, responsible for oil extraction, are ongoing to finalize arrangements for both Phase I and Phase II of the project.

CS Murkomen emphasized that a coordinated approach among national and county security agencies will address potential conflict risks arising from land disputes, community expectations, and revenue-sharing concerns. 

The National Police Service will maintain law and order and secure sensitive processes such as compensation exercises, while the Kenya Defence Forces will provide strategic support in protecting critical infrastructure and preventing cross-border threats. 

The National Intelligence Service will monitor emerging tensions and provide early warnings, and County Security Committees will facilitate localized conflict assessments and structured peace forums.

The Ministry has also developed an inter-agency security and emergency response framework integrating security operations, intelligence coordination, disaster management, environmental protection, and community stabilization mechanisms. The framework includes unified command structures, intelligence-led operations, rapid response capabilities, and continuous community engagement to enhance stability.

Lessons from the Early Oil Pilot Scheme (EOPS) have been incorporated into the FDP to improve security, community relations, compensation management, and logistical coordination. Preventive measures will target illicit siphoning, vandalism, organized criminal activity, and other resource-related risks along oil evacuation routes. Motor vehicles transporting crude oil will move in armed convoys, while patrols and strategic multi-agency roadblocks will monitor key transit routes.

Murkomen reassured stakeholders that the Ministry remains committed to protecting critical infrastructure, personnel, and host communities while ensuring smooth and secure implementation of Turkana’s oil production and evacuation operations.