Ruto announces December start for Kenya’s first crude oil exports from Turkana

Ruto announces December start for Kenya’s first crude oil exports from Turkana

President William Ruto says crude oil exports from the Lake Turkana Basin are targeted to begin in December 2026, following years of delays over financing and infrastructure.

Kenya is targeting December 2026 to begin exporting crude oil from the Lake Turkana Basin, potentially opening a new revenue stream as the country seeks to commercialise its petroleum resources.

President William Ruto announced the plan on Tuesday, October 20, during the 63rd Mashujaa Day celebrations at Kipchoge Keino Stadium in Eldoret, saying work on the project was progressing rapidly.

“In the months ahead, we will unlock new opportunities in our energy sector. Work in the Lake Turkana Basin is progressing rapidly, with oil exports targeted to begin in December,” Ruto said.

The planned exports would mark a significant milestone in Kenya’s efforts to develop its petroleum industry, attract investment and generate revenue from its natural resources.

Years of delays

Kenya discovered oil in the South Lokichar Basin in Turkana County in 2012, but efforts to develop the oilfields for commercial production have faced years of delays.

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Financing challenges, infrastructure requirements and negotiations over how to develop the oilfields have slowed progress, despite successive government efforts to advance the project.

The government has continued to pursue oil development as part of broader plans to diversify the economy and strengthen the energy sector.

If the December target is achieved, Kenya would take a major step towards turning its oil discoveries into an economic opportunity. However, the planned start of exports will depend on the project's operational readiness and the arrangements required to transport crude oil to international markets.

Private investors acquire pipeline stake

In his Mashujaa Day address, Ruto also highlighted developments in the capital markets, announcing that private investors had acquired a 25 per cent stake in Kenya Pipeline Company from public entities.

“Just yesterday, in a demonstration of growing confidence in our capital markets, private investors acquired a 25 per cent stake in Kenya Pipeline from public entities, marking another step towards mobilising private capital for strategic infrastructure,” the President said.