Tullow to give Turkana locals skills in oil drilling

Locals in Turkana will be trained in skilled labour in oil drilling, a petroleum exploration firm said on Tuesday.

The firm is looking to offer short-term training for welders, electricians and pipe fitters, among other jobs, to ensure the locals meet the qualifications to work in oil and gas exploration.

Africa Oil Corporation hopes this will enable it hire more workers from local people and end a standoff where exploration was stopped since Sunday. (READ: Oil drilling halted after row)

Africa Oil Corporation, Tullow Oil’s exploration partner in Turkana said the locals will receive skilled labour training.

Speaking on the sidelines of the East Africa Oil and Gas Summit in Nairobi on Tuesday, Africa Oil Corporation chief executive Keith Hill said using locals in more advanced roles may take some time because it requires specialized training before employment.

“Our goal is to replace foreigners as much as possible but this is not going to be overnight. We have been working with the Turkana people since we started and we have over 800 people working in the area. We need to go to the next level of getting skilled labour,” said Mr Hill.

It is hoped this would help resolve the row between the firm and local people so drilling can resume.

Addressing participants of the East Africa Oil and Gas Summit yesterday, the commissioner for petroleum energy, Mr Martin Heya, said the government was keen to protect investors as Kenya evolved into an oil producer.

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“This matter is getting active attention from the government. It is our job to protect both investors and local people,” said Mr Heya.
During the weekend, Turkana residents and two members of parliament staged demonstrations demanding to be employed by Tullow.

On Tuesday, police intensified security on oil fields, after non-locals working for the company were evacuated on Saturday and Sunday. (READ: Security beefed up at oil search sites)