Parliament Set to Approve Gulf Energy Deal for Turkana Oil Extraction
Parliament to review and ratify the Field Development Plan for the Turkana oil project. Gulf Energy E&P B.V. to take over full development and extraction operations.
Kenya is set to move closer to commercial petroleum production as Parliament prepares to approve a deal allowing Gulf Energy E&P B.V. to begin oil and gas extraction in Turkana County.
Energy and Petroleum Cabinet Secretary Opiyo Wandayi confirmed that his ministry has already approved the Field Development Plan (FDP), terming the move a major milestone in operationalising Kenya’s oil resources.
“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 development follows the recent sale of Tullow Oil Plc’s entire Kenyan interest to Auron Energy E&P Limited, an affiliate of Gulf Energy.
Tullow confirmed receiving the first $40 million instalment under the agreement signed in July 2025. Two further payments of $40 million each are expected in 2026 and 2028.
The UK-based company will retain royalty rights and a 30% no-cost back-in option should the project enter future phases.
Kenya’s oil project has faced prolonged delays due to commercial, infrastructural, and logistical hurdles. The Gulf Energy takeover is expected to accelerate field development and resolve past bottlenecks.
If Parliament ratifies the FDP, Turkana will move closer to becoming a key contributor to Kenya’s energy sector and crude export market.
Source:newsaih.com
