The Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA) conducted a public participation exercise in Eldoret, Uasin Gishu County to gather views and comments from members of the public and stakeholders on the seven draft Upstream Petroleum Regulations 2025, which will give a legal framework to govern the petroleum sector.
Speaking during the public forum that brought on board stakeholders from counties of Nandi, Elgeyo Marakwet, Baringo and Trans Nzoia at The Eldoret National Polytechnic,, EPRA Deputy Director Robert Kibiwot underscored that the new regulations are designed to ensure that both investors and local communities understand their rights and responsibilities in the oil industry.
The regulations cover licensing, safety, land access, cost management, midstream operations, and environmental health and are aimed at attracting investors and ensuring local community involvement.
He emphasised that feedback from public forums will be incorporated before final approval and gazettement, noting that the entire process is crucial as it aims to create a clear and transparent framework for oil exploration, development, and production.
“The primary goal of the regulations is to attract more investors to Kenya’s petroleum sector. By providing clarity in the laws governing oil operations, the government hopes to encourage businesses to invest in the exploration and production of oil,” he noted.
Kibiwott revealed that Kenya has identified 50 blocks across four sedimentary basins of Lamu, Tertiary Rift, Anza, and Mandera basins considered potential oil and gas reserves.
He affirmed the Authority’s commitment to ensure environmental preservation and fair compensation for landowners as the consultations are still ongoing across various regions including Eldoret and coastal areas.
“The government has initiated a public participation process to gather feedback from various stakeholders, including local communities, academia, and government agencies.
This process has taken place in multiple regions, starting from the coastal areas, moving to Garissa, Nairobi, Kisumu, and currently in Eldoret afterwards it will be in Lodwar.
The aim is to ensure that everyone has a chance to voice their opinions and concerns regarding the proposed regulations,” he explained.
Members of the public made comments especially on clauses touching on local land acquisition and compensation.
Henry Kirwa from Chepchoina, Trans Nzoia County, called for full compensation to landowners and that payment be made upfront.
He also proposed that adjustments be made to the percentage profit for the local community, from the current 5 percent as per the regulations to about 10 percent.
The draft regulations indicate that the national government will get 75 percent profit, 20 percent to county government, while the local communities receive 5 percent.
Participants are encouraged to submit their views and comments by a specified deadline of September 12, 2025 via email directorgeneral@epra.go.ke or visit nearby EPRA regional offices.
By Godfrey Kipkulei and Ekuwam Sylvester
