Kenya's First Oil Drilling Rig Arrives in Mombasa

Kenya's push to become an oil producer has gained momentum as an onshore drilling rig, valued at over Sh2.59 billion ($20 million), arrived in Mombasa for deployment in the South Lokichar Basin.

The GW70 rig, leased from Great Wall Drilling Company (GWDC) on a long-term arrangement, will undergo commissioning and acceptance checks before drilling begins.

Gulf Energy E&P BV SEZ Chief Executive Officer Paul Limoh said the company has scheduled November 1 as the spud date, marking the start of drilling activities under the first phase of the $6 billion (Sh777.72 billion) crude oil development.

The project is expected to produce 20,000 barrels of crude oil per day in the initial phase, increasing output to 50,000 barrels per day in the second phase, positioning Kenya as a significant oil producer in East Africa.