The Kenyan government is set to launch the long-awaited Lokichar Oil Project in Turkana between January and February 2026, Energy Cabinet Secretary Opiyo Wandayi has confirmed. The project, approved by the government, now awaits parliamentary approval before official commencement.
Speaking during a visit to Turkana County, CS Wandayi emphasized that the project aligns with the Kenyan Constitution and the Petroleum Act 2019. “I have officially approved the development of the field plan for the Lokichar Oil Project. In 30 days, the plan and production sharing contracts will be submitted to Parliament for approval before the project begins,” he stated.
The CS highlighted the project’s potential to significantly boost the national economy while creating numerous employment opportunities for local residents once production starts.
Earlier in June, Wandayi indicated that the government was keen to move beyond the exploration phase and transition into full-scale development of the Turkana oil fields a key milestone for Kenya’s energy sector.
The Lokichar Basin, believed to hold substantial oil reserves, has faced underdevelopment despite years of exploration. The exit of British firm Tullow Oil in April had cast doubt over the project’s future. However, Gulf Energy Ltd’s acquisition of Tullow’s local interests has revived optimism for progress.
Initial estimates from Tullow and its former partners suggest that the South Lokichar Basin contains about 560 million barrels of recoverable oil. While the total oil initially in place (OIP) could reach 4 billion barrels, only a portion is economically and technically extractable at present.
Since Tullow Oil’s first major discovery at the Ngamia-1 well in 2012, further exploration revealed fields including Amosing, Twiga, and Etuko, establishing the basin as central to Kenya’s oil ambitions.
Local leaders, led by East African Community Cabinet Secretary Beatrice Askul, welcomed the development, describing it as a game-changer for Turkana. They noted that the project could spur infrastructure investment and improve livelihoods for residents long awaiting tangible benefits from the oil discovery.
