The discovery of potentially vast oil reserves in Kenya’s lush Kerio Valley region has sparked anxiety among local residents. Community members - largely subsistence farmers - have heard reports of the destructive effects of  oil exploration and development in neighboring Turkana and they are troubled by complaints from Turkana community members that the oil company has not meaningfully consulted with them regarding impacts on security, access to food and water, and livelihoods. Kerio Valley residents, lacking formal title to their lands, are especially worried about receiving appropriate compensation for land and resources. Although residents welcome economic growth that hydrocarbon development might bring, they are concerned about environmental damage, local employment opportunities, and fair distribution of benefits.

In the summer of 2014, a community‐based organization from Kerio Valley requested ISLP’s assistance in obtaining timely, clear, and complete
information regarding oil development in the region and in representing the community with the oil company. In response, ISLP enlisted  volunteer lawyers with experience negotiating on behalf of marginalized communities facing resource development. The lawyers are backed by a highly‐skilled advisory team composed of an oil and gas expert, a corporate social responsibility specialist, authorities on relevant Kenyan law, and ISLP staff...