Gulf Energy is set to start oil production in Turkana County by December 2026, following its $120 million (Ksh15.4 billion) acquisition of Tullow Oil’s crude discoveries. The announcement was made by a senior company official in an interview with Bloomberg.
The move comes after Energy Cabinet Secretary Opiyo Wandayi approved the Field Development Plan (FDP), a critical requirement for moving from exploration to full-scale production. The FDP outlines how an oil field is to be developed, managed, and eventually decommissioned. Gulf Energy’s production timeline will formally commence once Parliament ratifies the plan, expected within 30 days of approval.
CS Wandayi emphasized that drilling at the Lokichar Oil Fields is scheduled to start in January and February 2026, marking a pivotal moment in Kenya’s oil industry. “This project will not only boost our national economy but also create employment opportunities for the local community,” he stated.
The Lokichar Basin, which has seen extensive exploration since Tullow Oil’s first major discovery at the Ngamia-1 well in 2012, is believed to hold significant oil reserves. Initial estimates indicate about 560 million barrels of recoverable oil, with the oil initially in place (OIP) potentially reaching 4 billion barrels. Key fields in the basin include Amosing, Twiga, and Etuko, forming the backbone of Kenya’s oil ambitions.
The government’s shift from exploration to development in June signaled a commitment to harnessing the country’s oil potential. Gulf Energy’s entry into full-scale production reflects a major milestone for Kenya’s energy sector, promising both economic growth and job creation for Turkana residents.
As Kenya prepares to enter the production phase, the Lokichar Basin stands out as a central hub for the nation’s energy future, with Gulf Energy poised to lead the way.
