By Winnie Kamau
Lokichar– A Preliminary threat analysis of the oil-rich Lokichar Basin
indicates that the Foundation Stage Development of the South Lokichar Oil fields is likely to
induce environmental, economic, social and cultural changes.
The key socio-economic impacts according to a new report, by Conservation Organisation World Wide Fund for Nature – Kenya (WWF-Kenya) and the Kenya Oil and Gas Working Group (KOGWG), dubbed ‘Preliminary Threat Analysis;The Foundation Stage Development
of the South Lokichar Oil Basin’.
During the virtual Webinar launch of the report indicated the ripple effect on natural resources, rights access and change in value systems due to population influx and the increased access to opportunities in the South Lokichar Oil basin.
The report also indicates the exploration and appraisal of the Turkana fields was initially before the Community Land Act, 2016 which would regulate negotiations with the communities for compensation mechanisms. Pastoralist communities view the shrinkage of pastoral land as systematic displacement and loss of livelihood means that can only be supported by such a fragile ecosystem which they have depended upon for centuries.
One major concern is the land tenure rights, and possible loss of ownership, access and control of pastoral livelihoods. The lack of regulations on hazardous waste management expected to regulate the hazardous waste that may be produced during the construction and operation phase which might result in contamination of both underground and surface water ways.
The need for adequate environmental monitoring program, during the production phase, gas flaring is likely to increase within the Amosing, Ngamia and Twiga oil fields releasing high volumes of harmful gases into the atmosphere such as carbon dioxide, methane, sulphur and other forms of gases.
These have direct implications on air quality and health of the communities living in the vicinity of the flares sites and also areas that may be affected by key environmental parameters. Therefore, we recommend the implementation of cleaner technologies to mitigate climate change impacts such as carbon capture and storage technologies as well as gas re-injection, as an option for reservoir stabilization among others.
The pastoral communities have been urged to undertake environmental and social impacts assessments of all components of the Foundation Stage Development project to mitigate negative impacts on Indigenous pastoralists cultures and traditions and the environments that make the cultures possible.
There’s need to enable constructive, focused engagement with communities to recognize, respect and protect their rights while ensuring effective participation in all processes related to oil and gas development this is according to the report. In recognition and respect of Indigenous Peoples rights to free, prior and informed consent over their lands,
territories and resources.
There’s need to resolve the land tenure issues concerning local communities along the Lamu Port-South Sudan-Ethiopia-Transport (LAPSSET) corridor project and the South Lokichar Basin, recognizing and respecting Indigenous Peoples ancestral claims to territories on the basis of the continued impact of the doctrine of discovery. Recognizing their right to redress under Article 28 of the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples.
A reliable, lasting conflict prevention and management systems that build on
ongoing peace initiatives in the South Lokichar Oil Basin between Indigenous Peoples and
with neighboring communities is needed in the communities with preservation of culture development and identity.
