Kenya’s ambition to join the league of oil-producing nations has entered a decisive phase following the acquisition of a high-powered drilling rig by Gulf Energy E&P BV, a move that strengthens the country’s pathway to first oil from the South Lokichar Basin.
By securing the 1,500-horsepower GW70 rig under a long-term lease from Great Wall Drilling Company, the company has demonstrated both financial muscle and operational readiness ahead of the multi-billion-dollar field development programme. The rig, valued at over US$15 million, is expected to anchor the initial drilling phase of the project.
Chairman Francis Njogu said the agreement goes beyond equipment leasing, incorporating a performance-based structure designed to ensure efficiency, accountability and structured knowledge transfer to Kenyan professionals — a key component in strengthening domestic expertise in the oil and gas sector.
The project has drawn close scrutiny from regulators and county leadership. A verification mission bringing together officials from the national government, the Turkana County Government, and the Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA) travelled to Abu Dhabi to evaluate the rig’s technical and safety credentials before shipment.
The GW70 rig has previously operated under the Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (ADNOC), earning a track record for operational safety and efficiency — credentials Kenyan authorities view as critical ahead of deployment in Turkana.
Turkana County Secretary Dr. Amb. Richard Ekai noted that the inspection was part of a broader due diligence and compliance process to ensure international standards are met prior to mobilisation. Environmental safeguards and local content obligations were also reviewed during the assessment.
The rig is expected to arrive in Kenya by mid-year, with drilling targeted to begin in early July after commissioning and final regulatory approvals. Although parliamentary ratification of the Field Development Plan is still pending, Gulf Energy has already committed capital resources, signalling confidence in the project’s legislative clearance.
Should production begin as scheduled in December, the South Lokichar development could unlock billions in projected revenues for Kenya, diversify the country’s energy portfolio, and significantly boost economic activity in Turkana — marking a pivotal chapter in the nation’s extractive industry journey.
