Kenya expects to begin commercial oil production in Turkana before the end of the year, a move that could mark a turning point for a project that has spent more than a decade in development.
Speaking on Radio Jambo on Friday, Energy Cabinet Secretary Opiyo Wandayi said the government was working towards bringing the long-delayed venture into production before the close of 2026.
“Before the end of the year, we will start producing oil from Turkana,” Wandayi said.
The announcement revives hopes for a project that has repeatedly faced setbacks despite the discovery of commercially viable oil reserves in Turkana more than ten years ago. Successive governments have promoted the resource as a potential source of revenue, jobs and investment for the region and the country at large.
CS Wandayi said preparations were underway to ensure the project stays on schedule. He argued that the country was now closer than ever to turning its oil reserves into a commercial enterprise.
The Cabinet Secretary acknowledged, however, that Kenya still lacks a refinery capable of processing crude oil from the Turkana fields.
“As of now, we do not have a refinery in our region,” he said. “We believe in the near future we will have a refinery in our region.”
Until then, crude oil extracted from Turkana will be exported for processing abroad.
“Crude oil will be coming from Turkana heading abroad so that it provides funds for our benefit, not just for Turkana residents but also all Kenyans,” Wandayi said.
Supporters of the project say commercial production could provide Kenya with a new source of foreign exchange earnings at a time when the government is seeking to strengthen economic growth and reduce pressure on public finances.
Yet challenges remain. Large-scale oil projects require significant infrastructure investment, including transport networks and processing facilities. Questions have also persisted over timelines, financing arrangements and how benefits will be shared with local communities.
Wandayi’s remarks come weeks after President William Ruto renewed calls for the establishment of a regional oil refinery. Speaking during the National Prayer Breakfast, the President said he had discussed the proposal with Nigerian industrialist Aliko Dangote.
According to President Ruto, the refinery remains part of the government’s broader energy agenda despite resistance from some quarters. He said the project could help improve regional energy security and reduce dependence on imported refined petroleum products.
For residents of Turkana, where expectations have risen and fallen with each new promise, the latest commitment will be closely watched. Whether production begins as planned before year’s end may determine whether Kenya finally joins the ranks of Africa’s oil-producing nations after years of anticipation.
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