Kenya has moved closer to commercial oil production, with the first export from the South Lokichar Basin now expected before the end of the year.
Energy and Petroleum Cabinet Secretary Opiyo Wandayi announced that the country is targeting early December 2026 for its first crude shipment, marking a major step toward long-awaited energy independence.
Speaking during the official groundbreaking for oil field development in Turkana County, Wandayi said the project signals a turning point for Kenya’s energy sector after years of delays.
“It has taken a long time for oil production to become a reality… but we are now on course to ensure this resource benefits the country,” he said, as reported by Kenya News Agency.
The launch clears the way for full-scale operations in the South Lokichar Basin, including the deployment of rigs, drilling of new wells and expansion of supporting infrastructure.
Kenya discovered commercially viable oil reserves in Turkana in 2012, but progress has been slowed by funding gaps, infrastructure challenges and investor uncertainty following the exit of key players in recent years.
The entry of Gulf Energy as a strategic partner has since revived the project, with the government now pushing to transition from pilot phases to full production.
Officials say the first consignment of crude oil could be ready for export by the first week of December if current timelines hold.
The government has positioned the project as a potential economic lifeline for Turkana, with promises of jobs, infrastructure development and increased investment in the region.
Beatrice Askul said the government will adopt an inclusive approach to ensure local communities benefit from the oil project.
She urged residents to support the initiative, linking it to broader plans to stimulate economic growth in the arid region.
Turkana Deputy Governor John Erus said the county is already preparing for negotiations with Gulf Energy over revenue sharing and local benefits.
“We are forming an all-inclusive committee to engage on revenue sharing, infrastructure and environmental concerns,” he said.
Authorities acknowledged that insecurity and water scarcity remain key risks to the project.
Wandayi said a security operation is already underway to stabilise the area, while the Kenya Defence Forces will help facilitate access to water from Turkwel Dam to support both the project and surrounding communities.
If successful, the Lokichar project could transform Kenya into an oil-exporting nation and reduce reliance on imported energy, while also reshaping the economic outlook of the northern region.
However, analysts caution that the project’s success will depend on sustained investment, stable security conditions and clear agreements on revenue sharing to avoid long-standing disputes seen in other oil-producing regions.
For now, the government is betting that after more than a decade of waiting, Kenya’s oil dream is finally within reach.
