Gulf Energy receives drilling rig in Mombasa as Kenya targets first oil in Dec
Gulf Energy E&P BV SEZ said the drilling rig arrived at Kilindini Port on Friday aboard MV Transit Sedanka after sailing from Duqm Port in Oman.
NAIROBI, Kenya – The push for commercial crude oil production by the end of 2026 in Kenya has advanced significantly with the arrival of a drilling rig in Mombasa. Gulf Energy E&P BV SEZ announced that the rig, valued at over $20 million, arrived at Kilindini Port on Friday, having sailed from Duqm Port in Oman. The rig, a GW70 with a 1,500 horsepower capacity, will undergo commissioning and acceptance checks before drilling begins in Turkana County.
The company aims to commence drilling on November 1, 2026, as part of the initial phase of the South Lokichar development, targeting an initial output of 20,000 barrels of crude oil per day. This milestone follows years of delays and is set to mark Kenya's transition from an oil exploration country to a commercial crude oil producer.
The project is expected to generate fiscal benefits for Kenya, with the potential to earn over $2.9 billion over its lifetime, depending on oil prices and production volumes.
Written by urgent.news from Capital FM Kenya's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
