Kenya Begins Oil Drilling in Turkana as Global Supply Crisis Pushes for Self-Sufficiency

Kenya has officially begun oil drilling in Turkana County as the government seeks to reduce reliance on imported fuel amid global oil supply challenges.

The move comes at a time when oil-producing countries across the world are facing major difficulties due to the ongoing conflict in the Middle East, which has affected global fuel supply.

The country is now moving to tap into Turkana’s estimated 560 million barrels of crude oil, nearly 14 years after the discovery was first made by a British oil company.

Just two days after President William Ruto called for African countries to focus on self-sufficiency during The Africa We Build Summit, the government launched the drilling project in the Lokichar Basin.

The groundbreaking ceremony was led by Energy Cabinet Secretary Opiyo Wandayi, marking a major step in reviving the long-awaited Turkana oil project.

Speaking during the event, Wandayi assured residents that the government will work closely with Turkana leaders and local communities to avoid mistakes that happened in the past.

He said the government wants to solve all existing concerns and ensure residents do not have any fears about the project.

Local leaders also demanded transparency from the company involved in the drilling works.

Loima MP Protus Akujah said that when Tullow Oil was previously operating in the area, there was little sharing of information with the public.

He urged the new company, Gulf Energy, to openly share all project details with residents and leaders.

According to the government, the project will operate under a production-sharing contract.

CS Wandayi said the first shipment of oil is expected to leave through the Port of Mombasa by December 2026.

He expressed confidence that before the end of the year, the oil would be on its way to Mombasa so that both Turkana residents and Kenyans at large can begin seeing the benefits.

The issue of oil and regional energy solutions was also discussed during The Africa We Build Summit, where President Ruto and Uganda’s President Yoweri Museveni spoke about the impact of the Middle East conflict on fuel supply.

President Ruto said Kenya plans to invest in Uganda’s refinery as part of a regional partnership aimed at strengthening East Africa’s energy future.

President Museveni also emphasized the need for African countries to process their own natural resources locally instead of exporting raw materials.

However, questions remain on whether the revival of the Lokichar oil fields will help reduce high fuel taxes and ease licensing challenges facing players in the energy sector.