The Lake Turkana basin is an over 70,000-square-kilometer region that is home to Lake Turkana, East Africa’s most saline lake, and the largest desert lake in the world. The area is home to pastoral communities like the Turkana, Samburu, El Molo, Rendille, Gabra and Dassanach. It is also a breeding ground for Nile crocodiles, hippopotamuses, and many snakes. On 26th March 2012, Mwai Kibaki announced the discovery of oil in Turkana County by Tullow Oil, a British company. Three wells had been discovered, holding at least 250 million barrels. Since then, more oil has been discovered, and it is estimated hat we have between 600 million – 1 billion barrels.

We’re joined by Ikal Angelei, coordinator of Friends of Lake Turkana, to discuss the oil in Turkana as well as the other environmental issues affecting the Lake Turkana area. Press play!

Resources

Early Oil from Turkana – Marginal Benefits/Unacknowledged Costs Report

Kenya Civil Society Platform on Oil & Gas (KCSPOG) Statement: Early Oil Pilot Scheme Environmental and Social Impact Assessment

Kenya beats odds to become first EA nation to export oil

“When I grew up the land was for the community”: Oil troubles in Turkana

Oil discovery in Turkana County, Kenya: A source of conflict or development?

Cost of Turkana oil stand-off hits Sh1bn

Tullow Oil threatens to shut down Turkana operations in two weeks

Leaders reach deal to allow trucking of oil from Turkana

Image Credit: Turkana Land