Kenya’s oil production gets boost
CAPTION: Gulf Energy received the oil drilling rig. Photo: Gulf Energy. Source: UGC
By Japhet Ruto
- Gulf Energy E&P BV SEZ confirmed the GW70 drilling rig arrived at Kilindini Port, Mombasa, aboard a cargo vessel from Oman on September 25, 2026
- The rig, valued at over KSh 2.6 billion (US$20 million), will be transported by road to Turkana County ahead of a November 1 spud date
- Kenya stands to earn a projected KSh 371 billion (USD 2.9 billion) in lifetime revenues from the South Lokichar Basin oil fields development
A drilling rig destined for Kenya’s first commercial oil production site has docked at Kilindini Port in Mombasa, marking a concrete step forward in the country’s long-anticipated entry into oil production.
Gulf Energy E&P BV SEZ, the independent upstream petroleum company formerly known as Tullow Kenya BV, confirmed on September 25, 2026, that the GW70 onshore drilling rig arrived aboard MV Transit Sedanka after departing from Duqm Port in Oman.
What is Kenya’s oil project timeline?
The 1,500-horsepower rig was leased from Great Wall Drilling Company (GWDC) in the United Arab Emirates under a long-term arrangement and is valued at more than KSh 2.6 billion (US$20 million).
The Kenya Ports Authority (KPA) is currently overseeing the offloading process, after which the equipment will be transported by road to Turkana County.
Gulf Energy E&P BV SEZ chief executive officer Paul Limoh said the rig will undergo commissioning and acceptance checks before drilling commences, with a spud date set for November 1, 2026.
