Oil Exploration and Security Dynamic in Kenya-a Study of Lokichar Oil Exploration Site,Turkana County

Abstract

This study aimed at exploring the relationship between oil exploration and security in Lokichar Sub-county in Turkana County, Kenya. To achieve this objective, it posed the research question: In what ways have oil exploration activities in Lokichar Sub-county in Turkana County, Kenya influenced security dynamics? The central assumption of this study was that oil exploration activities in Lokichar Sub-county in Turkana County, Kenya had influenced local security dynamics. This study collected primary and secondary data. Personal interviews were used to collect primary data while secondary data was collected through documentary analysis of relevant documents and related literature on Oil exploration and its relationship with security. It was established that oil exploration activities in Lokichar sub-county in Turkana county had aggravated localized resource-based conflicts, as well as triggered displacements of local communities and the emergence of community vigilante groups. Equally, the government had expanded police establishment in Lokichar due to oil exploration-related activities. This study recommended that the government adopts a multiagency approach in addressing emerging security challenges associated with oil exploration activities. Besides addressing pre-existing drivers of conflict, study findings recommend leveraging on county government’s participative governance structures like public baraza forums, ward, and village level stakeholder participation in decision-making processes relating to oil exploration in Lokichar sub-county, in Turkana County. It is further proposed that the government reviews how it is responding to conflict emanating from oil exploration-related activities.