Kenya's Oil Dream Ignites: First Commercial Drilling on the Horizon!
Kenya is on the verge of commercial oil production following the arrival of a key drilling rig in Mombasa, destined for Turkana County. Drilling is scheduled to begin on November 1, targeting first oil by December 2026, a significant milestone since oil's discovery over a decade ago.
Kenya has moved a significant step closer to achieving commercial oil production with the recent arrival of a 1,500 horsepower GW70 drilling rig at the Port of Mombasa. This vital equipment, leased by Gulf Energy E&P BV from Great Wall Drilling Company, successfully docked at Kilindini Port on Friday. The rig completed its voyage from Duqm Port in Oman aboard the MV Transit Sedanka.
Following its arrival, the GW70 rig is scheduled for immediate transportation and deployment to the South Lokichar Basin in Turkana County. Commercial drilling operations are set to commence on November 1. This marks a pivotal advancement, more than a decade after oil was initially discovered in Turkana in 2012.
Paul Limoh, Chief Executive Officer of Gulf Energy, stated that all workstreams for the project are adhering to a stringent management schedule, ensuring that the project remains on course for 'First Oil' production by December 2026. The initial phase of the project is projected to produce approximately 20,000 barrels of crude oil per day, with plans for output to increase to 50,000 barrels per day during the second phase.
The Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA) has confirmed these timelines, anticipating the first crude oil exports through the Port of Mombasa to begin in the first quarter of 2027. Prior to the commencement of drilling, the GW70 rig will undergo thorough commissioning and acceptance checks. To facilitate operations, Gulf Energy has engaged Baker Hughes for integrated well services and SLB to provide an early production facility for the first phase of the project.