President Uhuru Signs Deal With Turkana Governor Josphat Nanok Over Oil Production

President Uhuru Kenyatta on Saturday signed a deal with Turkana Governor Josphat Nanok on oil production from Turkana oilfields. 

Addressing journalists from State House, Uhuru noted that he has struck a deal on the Petroleum (Exploration and Production) Bill with special regards to provisions from revenue sharing. 

"We now have an understanding that can put Kenya on the map of oil exporting countries. We will intensify our exploration efforts not just in Turkana but in the rest of the country now that we have a legal instrument that can help guide how oil and gas will be handled in our republic," the President exclaimed while at State House, Nairobi.

[caption caption="File image of President Uhuru Kenyatta, his deputy William Ruto, Turkana Governor Josphat Nanok and other Turkana leaders"][/caption]

The President was joined by Deputy President William Ruto and leaders from Turkana led by the County boss.

The governor declared that the leadership and the people of Turkana are now fully in support of the exploration and production of oil after the disagreements were resolved.

Mr Nanok further noted: "Agreement on oil revenue sharing formula reached today between the National Government and Turkana County leaders settles concerns from our people and paves way for oil production."

Uhuru declared that the production of oil from the Turkana oilfields will start without any hindrance after an agreement was reached on the sharing of revenue. 

He added that the revenue from oil will be shared on the basis of 75 percent for all Kenyans through the National Government, 20 percent to the county government and five percent will be allocated to the local community.

Nanok, who is also the Chairman of the Council of Governors, highlighted that his colleagues (governors) are satisfied with how the issue was resolved.

"The impediment that the Turkana people were concerned with and even the council of Governors raised in its petition to Parliament has now been discussed and resolved," Nanok added.

[caption caption="File image of President Uhuru Kenyatta, his deputy William Ruto, Turkana Governor Josphat Nanok and other Turkana leaders"][/caption]