Residents of Turkana County have demanded compensation and greater community benefits before the government proceeds with planned oil exploration activities, saying their concerns must be addressed before any drilling begins. These latest demands come as the government accelerates plans to develop Kenya's petroleum sector. In recent weeks, senior government officials held talks with India on expanding cooperation in oil exploration, drilling technology and investment aimed at unlocking Turkana's oil reserves. Additionally, the push to advance oil exploration also comes as the government proposes stricter rules for future petroleum projects. Turkana is home to Kenya's commercially viable oil discoveries and has long been viewed as the country's gateway to becoming an oil-producing nation.