CS Wandayi gives timeline for when crude oil will flow from Turkana

Energy and Petroleum Cabinet Secretary Opiyo Wandayi has announced that Kenya anticipates crude oil to commence flowing from Turkana before the end of 2026, marking a significant milestone in the nation's pursuit of commercial oil production. During an interview on Wednesday, August 19, 2026, Wandayi highlighted the government's substantial progress in advancing the project from discovery to commercial production. He emphasized that this advancement represents a critical step for Kenya's energy and petroleum sector.

Wandayi confirmed that he had authorized a crucial contract necessary to propel the project into the next stage, facilitating further development of the oil resources discovered in Turkana. He stated, "I am the first Cabinet Secretary to approve the contract for this project to move to the next stage." The Cabinet Secretary expressed optimism that before the close of the year, crude oil would indeed flow from Turkana.

Kenya discovered commercially viable oil deposits in Turkana in 2012, setting high expectations that the country would soon join other oil-producing nations. However, commercial production has historically taken more than a decade to materialize due to various challenges, including infrastructure, financing, commercial agreements, and the development of an export framework.

The latest projections have reignited interest in Kenya's petroleum ambitions and the potential economic benefits that could arise from commercial oil production.

If the anticipated commencement of crude oil production occurs as projected, it could usher in new opportunities for government revenues, investment, employment, and the development of supporting industries, particularly in Turkana and other northern regions of Kenya. This development holds particular significance for Kenya's broader energy strategy, as the government strives to broaden the sector's role in boosting economic growth and industrialization.

Wandayi connected the anticipated oil production to Kenya's ambition of advancing towards a more developed economy, emphasizing that this development is part of the country's ongoing progress toward the future envisioned by President William Ruto.