Lokichar: Energy and Petroleum Cabinet Secretary Opiyo Wandayi has assured the country that oil production from the Lokichar South Basin will start before the end of this year. Speaking during the historic groundbreaking ceremony marking the beginning of oil field development operations at South Lokichar Basin, Wandayi said the residents and county and national governments will work alongside Gulf Energy to ensure the success of the project.
According to Kenya News Agency, the groundbreaking milestone implies that Gulf Energy can now kickstart full-scale operations, including deployment of rigs, prospecting, and drilling of new boreholes. It is expected that the first consignment of crude oil will be ready for export by the first week of December 2026. “It has taken long for the production of oil; we must thank the president for ensuring the oil resource is going to become a reality and benefit the country,” said the Cabinet Secretary.
Wandayi mentioned that the government had initiated a security operation to tackle insecurity, which has been a significant challenge for the project. Another challenge is water. He stated that the Kenya Defence Force will be deployed to ensure water from Turwell Dam benefits residents of Turkana and West Pokot counties.
East African Affairs, Regional Development, and Arid and Semi-Arid Lands Cabinet Secretary Beatrice Askul highlighted an inclusive approach to address issues raised by local communities, especially in Turkana South and Turkana East. She urged the local community to support the new investor and reiterated President Ruto’s commitment to reviving the local economy and reopening employment opportunities in the area through this project.
Deputy Governor Dr. John Erus said the County Government will push for structured talks with Gulf Energy on revenue sharing from oil and gas operations in the South Lokichar Basin. Dr. Erus confirmed that plans are underway to form a special committee to engage the firm on the matter. He spoke at Amosing during the groundbreaking ceremony for Gulf Energy’s oil and gas operations, where he accompanied Energy Cabinet Secretary Opiyo Wandayi and EAC and ASALs CS Beatrice Askul to the event, which was also attended by senior national and county officials, elected leaders, community leaders, and residents.
“We are forming an all-inclusive committee with leaders, technical staff, and professionals to hold structured talks with Gulf Energy on revenue sharing and the provisions of the Oil Field Development Plan. We have already held an initial consultative meeting on the same,” Dr. Erus said. He expressed that the county expects the talks to address residents’ concerns on economic opportunities, infrastructure development, environmental protection, and emerging issues.
The event was also addressed by County Commissioner Julius Kavita and representatives of professional associations, the council of elders, elected leaders, and the community.
