NAIROBI, Kenya, Sep 25 – Kenya’s push to commence commercial crude oil production by the end of 2026 has gained momentum following the arrival of an onshore drilling rig for the South Lokichar oil development at the Port of Mombasa.

📻 Breaking It Down

Gulf Energy E&P BV SEZ said the drilling rig arrived at Kilindini Port on Friday aboard MV Transit Sedanka after sailing from Duqm Port in Oman.

The arrival marks a major step in preparations for drilling operations in Turkana County, with the company targeting November 1, 2026, for the first well to be drilled as part of the initial phase of the South Lokichar development.

Gulf Energy E&P BV SEZ Chief Executive Officer Paul Limoh said the equipment was being offloaded by the Kenya Ports Authority before being transported by road to Turkana.

📌 What You Need to Know

“All workstreams at Gulf Energy E&P BV SEZ are running to a tight project management schedule, and the project remains on course for First Oil production in December 2026,” Limoh said.

The company said the GW70 rig, with a capacity of 1,500 horsepower, has been leased from Great Wall Drilling Company (GWDC) under a long-term arrangement.

The rig, valued at more than $20 million according to Gulf Energy, will undergo commissioning and acceptance checks before drilling begins.

Gulf Energy plans to produce an initial 20,000 barrels of crude oil per day under the first phase of the South Lokichar development before scaling production to 50,000 barrels per day in the second phase.

The company has contracted Baker Hughes to provide integrated well services, while SLB will deliver the Early Production Facility (EPF).

The South Lokichar development is being implemented under an estimated $6 billion investment programme.

📰 Source: Capital FM Kenya