The High Court of Kenya has allowed a class action lawsuit against a multinational British oil company to proceed over alleged toxic contamination in northern Kenya.
The ruling came on April 16 and now allows 299 petitioners to continue with their case in court. They had filed the suit earlier this year at the Environment and Land Court in Isiolo.
The case focuses on oil exploration activities that took place in the 1980s. Court records show that drilling occurred near Kargi and Kalacha within the Chalbi Desert.
Petitioners claim that workers dumped hazardous waste in open pits or left it exposed. They list radium isotopes, arsenic, lead and nitrates among the dangerous substances.
They argue that the waste contaminated water sources used by nearby communities for years. Residents relied on these sources for drinking, cooking and livestock use.
Many residents reportedly developed serious illnesses linked to the contamination. The petition also links the pollution to multiple deaths in the region over time.
Livestock deaths also increased, which affected livelihoods in the already harsh desert environment. Families lost income and struggled to sustain daily life.
The petition also targets several Kenyan government agencies across environment, water, mining and health sectors. Petitioners argue that these institutions ignored clear warning signs and failed to act.
They want the court to hold both the company and the agencies accountable. They also seek compensation for health damage, economic loss and environmental destruction.
The company has not responded publicly to the claims so far. The case will now proceed to a full hearing as affected communities seek justice.
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