Kenya targets first Turkana crude oil exports in Q1 2027 as South Lokichar production starts
Kenya is on track to export its first commercial crude oil from Turkana in the first quarter of 2027, with production from the South Lokichar Basin expected to begin in December 2026.
The Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA) said the project was progressing in line with the approved Field Development Plan, with first crude expected to be transported from Turkana to the coast for export early next year.
The South Lokichar oil discoveries were made in 2012, but development was delayed by challenges around the commercial viability and financing of the project.
Production to start at 20,000 barrels per day
The first phase of the project is expected to produce about 20,000 barrels of crude oil per day, with output planned to increase to 50,000 barrels per day from 2032 as development expands.
The project is being developed by Gulf Energy following its acquisition of the relevant assets, with production focused on the T6 and T7 blocks in the South Lokichar Basin.
Infrastructure work is also progressing to support the movement and storage of crude, including upgrades to facilities at the Kenya Petroleum Refineries Limited (KPRL) site in Mombasa.
The planned exports would mark a major milestone for Kenya as the country moves from oil exploration and pilot production towards commercial crude production.
