Oil Evacuation Corridor Set to Unlock Major Business Opportunities Across Western Kenya
The members noted, “Youth employment and local enterprise participation will be central to the success of this project,” adding that training will be key in ensuring maximum benefit is derived.
William Kisang the current Senator for Elgeyo Marakwet County. Photo/Achieng kemuma
By Rahab Gati
Kenya’s oil evacuation plans from Turkana’s Lokichar oil fields are expected to unlock major business growth and infrastructure developments along the northern corridor following public participation forums that were convened by a Joint Committee of the National Assembly and Senate on Energy and Petroleum. The committee is conducting public engagement across counties along the proposed oil transportation corridor, including Uasin Gishu, Trans Nzoia, West Pokot, Turkana, and later to Mombasa and Lamu, as per the requirements of Article 118 of the Constitution of Kenya (2010).
Multi-Billion Shilling Economic Boost
The first phase is expected to begin in December 2026, with crude oil removed from Lokichar to the coast for export by road using some 200 trucks a day, evacuating a total of 20,000 barrels daily. The second phase to rail in 2032 will be much more volume and efficient. Business leaders and local stakeholders have welcomed the project, citing its potential to stimulate trade, logistics, manufacturing, hospitality, and real estate growth across the corridor towns. The committee stated, “This project is a game changer for counties along the route. We expect a surge in investment, new enterprises, and expanded markets for local goods and services.”
Infrastructure Expansion and Investment Opportunities
On the back of this increased traffic and economic activity, government investment will be needed to upgrade and redesign key road infrastructure with heavy commercial truck utilization in mind, therefore providing more opportunities for investment in construction, road engineering, maintenance services, fuel stations, logistics hubs, and vehicle servicing. County governments have been advised to prepare themselves with proactive physical planning and zoning, including truck parking and logistics yards, to reduce congestion and ensure efficiency.
Job Creation and Local Business Development
Employment emerged as an area of great concern and opportunity. Local communities stressed the need for priority hiring of locals, especially the youth, and sourcing goods and services from local suppliers. In assuring residents, the committee said that local participation would form a core requirement for investors, which would therefore grow opportunities in the transport sector, security, catering, accommodation, warehousing, and environmental management services. The members noted, “Youth employment and local enterprise participation will be central to the success of this project,” adding that training will be key in ensuring maximum benefit is derived.
Given the scale of oil transportation, environmental safeguards will be paramount. The National Environment Management Authority (NEMA) will oversee compliance to mitigate risks such as oil spills, road damage, and pollution. Emergency response frameworks involving security agencies and the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) are under consideration to tackle emergencies and disasters efficiently.
Long-Term Economic Vision
The evacuation project sits squarely within the context of Kenya’s broader ambition to become a middle- to high-income economy, with leaders using Singapore and Malaysia as models for industrial growth. “This corridor is not just about oil; it is about transforming regional economies, growing businesses, and positioning Kenya as a competitive global exporter,” the committee said. As public participation continues across the other counties, expectations are high that the project will drive inclusive economic growth, deepen regional integration, and firmly set Kenya on a new path of industrial and commercial expansion.
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