Trans Nzoia Positions Itself for Oil Corridor Windfall as Lawmakers Gather Public Views

Trans Nzoia County is set to benefit from increased commercial activity as Kenya moves closer to commercial oil production in the northwest, owing to the county’s strategic position along the planned crude oil transportation corridor, Deputy Governor Philomenah Kapkory has said.

Kapkory said the transportation of crude oil through Kitale would stimulate business growth, attract investment, and boost local trade once operations commence.

“After the commencement of oil transportation via Kitale, our residents will gain economically due to increased business activities,” the deputy governor said on Wednesday while hosting members of the Senate and National Assembly energy committees who were in the county to collect views from residents and stakeholders.

She added that the county government would work closely with all stakeholders to ensure local communities benefit from the oil project, including accelerating the development of key infrastructure such as roads to support the anticipated increase in traffic and trade.

“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 project to be fast-tracked,” Kapkory said.

The lawmakers are seeking public input on the proposed commercial development of six oil discoveries in the South Lokichar Basin. The consultations focus on infrastructure planning, environmental protection, community obligations, and the expected national and local economic benefits. The oil fields are set to be developed under new contracts with Gulf Energy E&P BV, which has taken over exploration blocks previously held by Tullow Oil.

The delegation was led by Elgeyo Marakwet Senator William Kipkemoi Kisang, the deputy chairperson of the Senate Standing Committee on Energy. He said the public forums are aimed at ensuring communities and Kenyans at large play a central role in the management of the country’s natural resources.

“We are here to ensure that we capture your views because your opinion matters in shaping how these resources are developed and managed,” Kisang said.

Local leaders welcomed the consultation exercise but raised concerns over the county’s infrastructure readiness to handle increased heavy truck traffic.

Matisi Ward MCA Obed Mwale said the Eldoret–Kitale highway currently lacks the capacity to accommodate the large number of trucks expected to transport crude oil, calling 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 safety risks would rise if infrastructure improvements are not undertaken.

“Trucks already transporting raw materials from West Pokot have caused accidents. Failure to expand the road will lead to more accidents,” Wafula said.

He also noted that the county has not benefited adequately from corporate social responsibility initiatives associated with the highway authority and called for the establishment of a designated truck parking bay to support local businesses.

Trans Nzoia Senator Alan Chesang assured residents that the national government remains committed to working with the county to roll out additional development projects aimed at improving livelihoods.

“The government remains committed to bringing more development projects to Trans Nzoia to better the lives of our people,” Chesang said.

The consultations are expected to inform policy decisions and project implementation as Kenya advances toward commercial oil production, with Trans Nzoia positioning itself as a key beneficiary along the crude oil transport corridor.