- Montet said internal and external conflicts have affected activities such as fishing, pastoralism and mining.
- Mineral deposits in Turkana include oil and gas, limestones, gold, mercury and graphite.
Nominated Senator Betty Montet wants Turkana County and the national government to outline measures taken to address insecurity in the vast devolved unit.
Seeking a statement in the House, Montet said the historical marginalisation of Turkana has perpetuated the inability of the local community to fully benefit from its abundant resources.
She wants the Standing Committee on Lands, Environment and Natural Resources to engage the Council of Governors and ministries of Environment and Forestry; Energy and Petroleum; Mining, Blue Economy and Maritime Affairs and Interior and National Administration over the matter.
The lawmaker pointed out that Turkana County covers 77,000 square kilometres in size with approximately 65,000 square kilometres of the land being arable landmass.
She said the size of arable land holds immense potential for both the county and the nation at large if exploited sustainably.
Research conducted by the Kenya Institute for Public Policy Research and Analysis established that Turkana's key natural resources include water from Turkwel and Keiyo/Kerio rivers and Lake Turkana.
The county also has mineral deposits which include oil and gas, limestones, gold, mercury and graphite, forests, wildlife and renewable energy, such as geothermal, solar and wind.
“Mr Speaker, Sir, the exploitation of these resources has, however, been hampered by internal and external security issues affecting Turkana County,” Montet stated.
She added that Turkana residents have also been clashing with neighbouring communities and those from South Sudan, Uganda and Ethiopia.
Montet reiterated that internal and external conflicts have affected activities such as fishing, pastoralism and mining resulting in limited development in Turkana despite the abundance of resources.
She said the two levels of government should explore avenues for international cooperation to address cross-border conflict and enhance security in the region.
She added that without affirmative measures and programmes to increase investment for sustainable exploitation of natural resources, Turkana County will remain a marginalised area.
“It is important that community engagement and participation be incorporated in decision-making processes,” she added.
She further said the two levels of government must ensure that the interests and rights of the local community are protected and promoted.
Montet said the committee should evaluate the extent of community engagement in decision-making processes regarding exploitation of natural resources.