The County Government of Turkana has held a public engagement forum in Nakukulas Village, Turkana East Sub-County, to discuss plans by Halal Mining Company Limited to prospect for chromite ore in the area.
The meeting, held on October 28, 2026, brought together local residents, representatives of the mining company and officials from the national and county governments to discuss the proposed exploration, environmental protection and potential economic benefits for the community.
The forum was led by Elim Areman, the county’s Deputy Director of Mining, who emphasised the importance of transparency and community participation in mineral exploration.
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Areman said the county wanted to create a conducive environment for responsible mineral development while ensuring host communities were informed, protected and able to benefit from investments in their areas.
“As a county, we are keen on creating a conducive environment for mineral exploration while ensuring host communities benefit directly and are protected from any harmful impacts. Public participation is a critical part of community entry,” Areman said.
Areman said Halal Mining would be required to undertake an Environmental and Social Impact Assessment and present land restoration plans before any drilling or excavation begins.
The safeguards are intended to protect grazing fields and water points that local communities depend on for their livelihoods.
The engagement also gave residents an opportunity to seek clarification about the proposed prospecting activities, raise environmental concerns and discuss possible opportunities for local economic development.
The county said open communication between investors, communities and government agencies was important in ensuring mineral exploration proceeds responsibly.
Representing Halal Mining Company Limited, Samuel Njuguna said the company was committed to following the law and keeping residents informed throughout the process.
He said the decision to explore in Nakukulas was informed by a state-led nationwide airborne survey conducted in 2023, which identified Turkana as an area with potential nickel-copper-chromite mineralisation.
“The choice of Nakukulas was guided by the State-led nationwide airborne survey of 2023 which flagged Turkana as a county with potential nickel-copper-chromite mineralisation. We are here to share that information and seek community consent,” Njuguna said.
Chromite is the principal commercial ore used to produce chromium, a metal used in stainless steel, specialised alloys, refractory materials and chrome plating.
However, the proposed prospecting is intended to investigate the area's mineral potential; the information provided does not establish that a commercially viable deposit has been confirmed in Nakukulas.
Community representative Joseph Erumu welcomed the prospect of investment but called for a clear benefit-sharing framework to ensure residents gain tangible benefits from any future mining activity.
He identified schools, health facilities, employment and business opportunities as areas where the community would want to see meaningful benefits.
The meeting highlighted community participation, transparency and cooperation as important considerations in building relationships between investors and host communities.
Residents' concerns and expectations will be important as the company and relevant authorities consider the next steps in the proposed exploration process.
The engagement comes as Turkana continues to attract attention over its potential mineral and energy resources.
According to the county's statement, Nakukulas lies within the South Turkana Basin, where oil and gas exploration is expected to resume.
Officials present at the meeting included State Department for Mining inspectors Josephat Yego, Wallet Kiptui and Christopher Odhiambo, Turkana East Sub-County Administrator Robinson Kotol, and Chief Sarah Ekomwa.
The proposed chromite exploration could open up opportunities for further assessment of Turkana's mineral resources, but any future development will depend on exploration findings, regulatory requirements, environmental safeguards and engagement with affected communities.
