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[BUSINESS] · Kenya · 5 sources

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Part of situation: Kenya Lake Turkana crude oil export project (2 clusters)

Kenya targets December 2026 for first crude oil exports

Kenya crude oil Lake Turkana Basin South Lokichar Basin Gulf Energy oil exports

Kenya aims to begin commercial crude oil exports from the Lake Turkana Basin in December 2026. President William Ruto announced the timeline during Mashujaa Day celebrations, noting that work in the South Lokichar Basin is accelerating to unlock new revenue streams.

The project follows the 2012 discovery of commercially viable oil deposits in Turkana County. Development has previously faced delays due to infrastructure needs, financing, and negotiations. Gulf Energy, through its affiliate Auron Energy E&P Limited, is leading the project after acquiring Tullow Oil’s working interest in September 2025.

Production is expected to start at approximately 20,000 barrels per day, with the potential to scale up to 50,000 barrels daily. To prepare for international trade, the Ministry of Energy and Petroleum has invited the public to propose a name for the Kenyan crude oil, with submissions closing on October 29.

Entities

Gulf Energy · Lake Turkana Basin · Ministry of Energy and Petroleum · South Lokichar Basin · William Ruto

Claims

What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.

Sources

Kenya targets December to start its first crude oil exports after 14-year wait - FMDRCZ [fmdrc-zambia.com]
Gov't Opens Public Submissions for Naming of Kenya’s Crude Oil [Details] [nairobileo.co.ke]
Kenyans Given Six Days to Name Country’s Crude Oil [uzalendonews.co.ke]
Kenyans Invited to Choose Name for Country’s Crude Oil Ahead of December Production [www.ghanamma.com]
Kenyans Invited to Name Country’s Crude Oil [www.kenyans.co.ke]