Wandayi: Turkana oil production to start before year-end

Energy CS Opiyo Wandayi/HANDOUT

Kenya is on course to begin commercial oil production in Turkana before the end of the year, Energy Cabinet Secretary Opiyo Wandayi has said.

Speaking during an interview on Radio Jambo on Friday morning, Wandayi expressed confidence that the long-awaited oil project would finally move from planning to production, marking a significant milestone for the country's energy sector.

“Before the end of the year, we will start producing oil from Turkana,” the CS said.

He noted that the government is taking the necessary steps to ensure the plan is implemented within the set timeline and maintained that all indications point to the project becoming a reality before the close of 2026.

Wandayi's remarks offer renewed government optimism for a project that has faced years of delays despite Kenya's discovery of commercially viable oil reserves in Turkana over a decade ago.

The CS said the government remains committed to unlocking the economic potential of the resource and ensuring that the benefits are felt across the country.

He explained that while Kenya is preparing to commence oil production, the country currently lacks a refinery capable of processing crude oil from the Turkana fields.

“Remember, as of now, we don’t have a refinery in our region. We have heard of plans of one,” Wandayi said.

The Cabinet Secretary, however, expressed optimism that a refinery would eventually be established within the region to support the country's growing energy needs and industrial development ambitions.

“We believe in the near future we will have a refinery in our region,” he added.

In the meantime, he announced that the product extracted from Turkana will be exported to international markets for processing, generating revenue for the country.

“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.

The planned commencement of oil production is expected to place Kenya among the ranks of oil-producing nations and could provide a new source of foreign exchange earnings for the economy.

Turkana's oil reserves have long been viewed as a potentially transformative resource capable of boosting government revenues, creating employment opportunities, and stimulating infrastructure development in the region.

Wandayi's remarks come weeks after William Ruto reiterated plans to establish a regional oil refinery in partnership with Aliko Dangote.

He said the project remains a key component of the government's long-term strategy to transform the region's energy sector.

Speaking during the annual National Prayer Breakfast, Ruto revealed that he had held discussions with Dangote on the proposed refinery project.

Despite what he termed as resistance from some quarters, the President maintained that the refinery plan would move forward, describing it as a strategic investment aimed at strengthening regional energy security and reducing reliance on imported petroleum products.