A cargo ship carrying Gulf Energy E&P BV SEZ’s integrated onshore drilling rig docked at Kilindini Port, Mombasa, on 25 September, marking a key step toward Kenya’s first crude oil production before the end of the year.

The GW70 rig, valued at over US$20 million, is on a long‑term lease from Great Wall Drilling Company in the UAE and arrived aboard the vessel MV Transit Sedanka.

Kenya Ports Authority staff are currently off‑loading the equipment, after which the rig will be road‑transported to Turkana County for deployment.

Project timeline and production targets

Gulf Energy’s chief executive, Paul Limoh, said the spud (drilling start) is scheduled for 1 November, with the first phase of the South Lokichar development aiming to produce 20,000 barrels per day, later expanding to 50,000 barrels per day.

The 1,500‑horsepower GW70 rig will undergo commissioning and acceptance checks before drilling begins, while Baker Hughes will provide integrated well services and SLB will supply the early production facility.

Economic expectations for Kenya

The government projects lifetime fiscal earnings of more than US$2.9 billion (approximately Sh371 billion) from the South Lokichar Basin, contingent on global oil prices and production volumes.

Upcoming milestones

Following the off‑load, the rig will travel to Turkana for site preparation, with the November spud date marking the start of drilling and an anticipated first oil flow in December 2026.