NLC CEO Hosts Stakeholder Talks on Lokichar Oil Project Land Acquisition

The Chief Executive Officer of the National Land Commission (NLC), CHRP Kabale Tache Arero, on Thursday hosted a high-level consultative meeting at the Commission’s headquarters to deliberate on the Lokichar Oil Project, with a focus on land acquisition and community engagement.

The meeting brought together Turkana East MP Nicholas Ngikor, Turkana South MP Dr John Ariko, representatives from Gulf Energy, and officials from the State Department of Petroleum.

Discussions centred on the lawful land acquisition process and the importance of comprehensive community sensitisation to ensure that affected persons are fully informed and meaningfully engaged throughout the project lifecycle.

Ms Arero said the Commission, in collaboration with the State Department of Petroleum, had agreed to roll out a joint and transparent public outreach campaign to provide accurate information to all affected communities.

“The concerns raised by community representatives are critical and will be addressed openly through structured engagement,” she said.

The Members of Parliament presented specific issues affecting residents in the project area, which the Commission confirmed have been documented and will be addressed through a multi-stakeholder framework involving the NLC, the State Department of Petroleum, and Gulf Energy.

The National Land Commission reaffirmed its commitment to facilitating lawful land acquisition, safeguarding the rights of affected communities, and ensuring **timely and fair compensationin accordance with the Constitution and applicable laws.

The engagement underscores the Commission’s role in balancing national development priorities with community rights and inclusive decision-making.