Kenya Set for First Oil Production in 2026

Kenya is poised to become an oil-producing country after more than a decade since it discovered crude oil in Turkana County.

The South Lokichar Basin project, developed by Gulf Energy E&P BV, targets first oil in December 2026 and commercial crude exports through the Port of Mombasa in the first quarter of 2027.

According to the Energy Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA), the developer remains on track with the timelines approved under the project's Field Development Plan.

The project is expected to generate government revenue, create jobs, and increase economic activity around Turkana and other parts of the country. It aims to produce 20,000 barrels per day in the first phase, increasing to about 50,000 during the second phase, with full development by 2032.