Kenya Opens Bidding for 10 Oil Exploration Blocks with New Petroleum Legislation
The East African nation holds a total of 50 blocks across four sedimentary basins, with 10 now ready for marketing, according to Mohamed Liban, Principal Secretary for Petroleum.
Petroleum Commissioner Joseph Otieno said the blocks on offer are located in the Anza and Lamu basins.
The selection of these blocks was guided by detailed geoscientific data, ensuring a transparent allocation process.
The government has provided comprehensive seismic surveys, geological reports, and well data to attract investors.
The offering follows a restructuring of Kenya’s petroleum exploration blocks to meet global standards.
This includes flexible Production Sharing Contract terms and a package of tax incentives to encourage private sector investment.
Officials highlighted the government’s commitment to developing Kenya’s oil and gas sector during the East African Petroleum Conference and Exhibition 2025 in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania.
In addition to financial incentives, the government is investing in infrastructure to support exploration and production activities.
Kenya has significant untapped oil and gas potential, but progress has historically been slow. Development stalled after UK-listed Tullow Oil failed to secure partners for the long-delayed South Lokichar project.
French major TotalEnergies and Africa Oil Corp. withdrew from the venture two years ago, leaving Tullow as the sole operator and casting uncertainty over Kenya’s oil ambitions.
With the launch of this new licensing round, the government hopes to revive exploration, attract international investors, and accelerate the country’s oil and gas industry development.
