Traders in Kitale have protested the failure of a parliamentary energy committee to conduct public participation on the proposed crude oil pipeline under the South Lokichar Field Development Plan (FDP), despite earlier assurances.
According to the traders, the Joint Committee of the National Assembly Departmental Committee on Energy and the Senate Standing Committee on Energy, which had met with County Commissioner Gideon Oyagi and Deputy Governor Philomena Kapkory earlier that day, was expected to host a public participation forum for traders and residents.
The committee instead conducted a site visit to railway land in Kitale, excluding the public from the process.
The Chairman of the Trans Nzoia Branch of the Kenya National Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KNCCI) Titus Kilong’I expressed frustration over what he called a breach of constitutional procedures.
“We were told public participation would follow the meeting with the Deputy Governor, but that never happened. The committee went straight to a site visit. We are deeply disappointed because this project directly affects our county,” Kilong’i said.
The Chairman of Bidii Market Benson Simiyu added that traders felt sidelined, even though Trans Nzoia was officially listed among counties expected to experience significant impacts from the project.
“Public participation is not optional. It is a constitutional requirement. Ignoring traders and residents undermines trust and sends the wrong message,” Simiyu stated.
Traders also raised concerns that excluding the public could lead to resistance to the project. Naut Ereng, a trader, warned that bypassing consultation could jeopardize the project’s acceptance.
“Development must involve the people. When you skip consultation, you risk rejection even before implementation begins,” Ereng said.
The traders pointed to Article 118 of the Constitution, which mandates Parliament to conduct business in a way that promotes public participation, as well as Articles 95 and 96, which require Parliament to represent and protect the interests of the people and counties.
The South Lokichar FDP and the Production Sharing Contracts for Blocks T6 and T7 were tabled in Parliament on November 27, 2025, in accordance with Article 71(1) of the Constitution and the Petroleum Act.
Trans zoia is among six counties—Turkana, West Pokot, Uasin Gishu, Trans Nzoia, Mombasa and Lamu—identified as directly affected by the project.
The traders are now demanding that the parliamentary committee return to Trans Nzoia to conduct proper, open, and inclusive public participation forums before any further deliberations or approvals are made.
In a post on his Facebook page, area Senator Allan Chesng’ indicated that the team did conduct a public participation exercise, despite traders insisting that the team only introduced its members before leaving hurriedly.
