Gulf Energy to Start Oil Drilling in Lokichar

Gulf Energy has announced the commencement of oil drilling activities within the Lokichar basin in Turkana County. The move represents a new phase in the development of Kenya’s upstream petroleum sector, following years of exploration and technical assessments in the northern region.

The company confirmed that logistical arrangements are being finalized to support the extraction process. According to the current project timeline, the first consignment of oil is expected to be transported and ready to leave the Port of Mombasa by December 2026.

This development follows the transition of interests in the South Lokichar basin. The project has faced various hurdles in the past, including infrastructure requirements and the need for a definitive field development plan to guide large-scale production.

President Ruto has previously emphasized the importance of the extractive sector in the national development agenda. The government remains a key stakeholder in ensuring that the infrastructure required to move oil from the remote northern fields to the coast is viable.

Trucking operations, which were utilized during the Early Oil Pilot Scheme, provided a proof of concept for moving Turkana crude to the coast. However, the full-scale commercial phase involves more complex drilling schedules and higher production volumes.

Local leadership in Turkana has called for transparency regarding the sharing of revenues and the inclusion of the community in the supply chain. These social license issues remain critical for the long-term success of drilling operations in the region.

The Port of Mombasa is currently being prepared to handle these specialized exports. Terminal facilities and storage capacities are under review to ensure that the December 2026 target for the first shipment remains achievable.

Technical teams from Gulf Energy are already on the ground in Lokichar. The focus is currently on stabilizing the well sites and ensuring that all safety protocols meet international industry standards before the heavy lifting begins.

While the global energy market remains volatile, the commitment to extract Kenyan oil suggests a focus on domestic resource mobilization. The success of this project depends heavily on the synergy between the private investors and the Ministry of Energy and Petroleum.

The timeline provided by Gulf Energy is ambitious, requiring seamless coordination between the drilling sites in the north and the logistical hubs at the coast. Engineering firms and logistics providers are expected to see increased activity in the coming months as the 2026 deadline approaches.