Much development programming in Turkana, Kenya, is predicated on the premise that there is an essential dichotonomy between the community and oil and gas investors. If this narrative is challenged, it is possible to develop a more constructive national development framework. 

Rather than simply blaming an external investor because local expectations haven't been met, a new way of framing the discussion would place responsibility for meeting local requirements and expectations on government. This is particularly true in relation to security.

In a new briefing note, drawing on lessons learned during the implementation of the Kenya Extractives Programme (K-EXPRO) between 2016 and 2018, we explore how underlying assumptions about the sector can be damaging to local businesses and communities. Having established this, the paper looks at how best to realise the opportunities (and prepare for the challenges) of the extractives sector in Turkana.

You can download the briefing note by choosing the blue button, or directly.

Authors

Rajan Soni is a monitoring and evaluation, institutional development, and change management consultant with a long and accomplished record of designing, evaluating, and implementing aid programmes in the areas of governance, public sector reform, and private sector-led development.

Mark Essex is an economic consultant who has worked extensively on sustainability issues that impact the quality of interactions between foreign investors and host governments.