# Kenya Lake Turkana crude oil export project

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/kenya-lake-turkana-crude-oil-export-project
> Updated: 2026-10-23T07:57:15.000Z. Sources: 7. Developments: 2.

President William Ruto has announced that Kenya aims to begin commercial crude oil exports from the Lake Turkana Basin in December 2026. The project, centered in the South Lokichar Basin, seeks to unlock new revenue streams and strengthen the energy sector.

Following the initial 2012 discovery, development has faced various delays related to financing, infrastructure, 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. The current plan involves transporting oil via trucks to the port of Mombasa for monthly shipments of roughly 750,000 barrels. While the exports are expected to generate foreign currency, officials noted that sales are not intended to reduce domestic petrol prices. To prepare for international trade, the Ministry of Energy and Petroleum has invited the public to propose a name for the Kenyan crude oil.

## Claims

- Kenya targets December 1, 2026, to begin commercial crude oil production and exports. (corroborated by 3 sources)
- Commercially viable oil was discovered in the South Lokichar Basin in 2012. (corroborated by 3 sources)
- The Ministry of Energy and Petroleum is seeking public proposals to name the country’s crude oil. (corroborated by 2 sources)
- Gulf Energy acquired Tullow Oil’s entire working interest in Kenya in September 2025. (single source)
- Initial production is planned at approximately 20,000 barrels per day. (single source)
- Production has the potential to increase to 50,000 barrels per day. (single source)
- Submissions for the crude oil naming exercise close at 5pm on October 29. (single source)
- A drilling rig from Great Wall Drilling Company arrived at the Port of Mombasa in September. (single source)

## Timeline

### 2026-10-23: Kenya targets December 2026 for first crude oil exports

Kenya plans to commence commercial crude oil exports from the Lake Turkana Basin in December 2026, targeting an initial production of 20,000 barrels per day.

5 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/kenya-targets-december-2026-for-first-crude-oil-exports

### 2026-10-20: Kenya targets December start for Lake Turkana crude oil exports

President William Ruto announced that Kenya plans to begin exporting crude oil from the Lake Turkana Basin this December, marking the country's transition to commercial oil production.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/kenya-targets-december-start-for-lake-turkana-crude-oil-exports

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Cite as: Kenya Lake Turkana crude oil export project. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/kenya-lake-turkana-crude-oil-export-project