Kenya’s plans to begin producing crude oil from Turkana are moving closer to the December 2026 target after the first drilling rig arrived at the Port of Mombasa.
The arrival marks an important step in preparations for the development of the South Lokichar Basin oil fields, where Gulf Energy is leading efforts to begin production.
The company had earlier secured an onshore drilling rig from Great Wall Drilling Company as part of its plans to deliver Kenya’s first oil before the end of 2026. The rig was valued at more than KSh1.9 billion.
Gulf Energy has been working toward achieving first oil by December 1, 2026, in line with the approved development plan for the South Lokichar project.
The Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA) has also confirmed that Kenya remains on schedule to begin crude oil production in December.
EPRA Director of Petroleum and Gas Edward Kinyua said the first export of crude from Mombasa is expected in the first quarter of 2027, once production begins.
The South Lokichar Basin has been at the centre of Kenya’s oil ambitions since commercial discoveries were announced in 2012. Development was delayed for several years because of challenges surrounding the commercial viability of the project.
Gulf Energy later took over the project following the acquisition of Tullow Oil’s interests and has since been preparing to restart development activities.
The latest progress has renewed attention on Kenya’s plans to become an oil-producing country, with the December deadline now approaching.
If the project remains on schedule, Kenya could begin producing its first crude oil before the end of 2026 and start exporting the commodity through Mombasa in early 2027.