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Parliament is set to approve a deal allowing Gulf Energy E&P B.V. to begin oil and gas extraction in Turkana County, marking a key step toward Kenya’s first commercial petroleum production.
Energy and Petroleum Cabinet Secretary Opiyo Wandayi confirmed that his ministry has already approved the Field Development Plan (FDP) for the project, describing it as a major milestone in operationalizing Kenya’s oil resources.
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“In line with Section 10(j) of the Petroleum Act, 2019, I have approved the Field Development Plan for the Turkana oil project submitted by Gulf Energy E&P B.V.,” said Wandayi during a tour of Turkana.
“Within 30 days, I will present the FDP to Parliament for ratification as required under Article 71 of the Constitution.”
The approval follows the recent sale of Tullow Oil Plc’s entire Kenyan interest to Auron Energy E&P Limited, an affiliate of Gulf Energy, after meeting all conditions under the Sale and Purchase Agreement (SPA) announced on July 21, 2025.
Tullow confirmed receiving the first $40 million payment under the deal, with two additional tranches of $40 million each expected in 2026 and 2028. The UK-based firm said the sale proceeds would strengthen its finances, while it retains royalty rights and a 30% no-cost back-in option for future project phases.
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Once Parliament ratifies the deal, Kenya will move closer to unlocking its long-stalled oil ambitions, which have faced years of setbacks due to commercial and logistical challenges.
Gulf Energy’s takeover is expected to fast-track field development and establish Turkana as a key player in Kenya’s energy and export sector.
