Kenya’s Oil Breakthrough Nears as Government Seeks Public’s Help to Name Crude

Kenya is closing in on a historic oil breakthrough, with December 1, 2026, set as the target for full commercial crude oil production after years of waiting and delays. As the country prepares to enter the international oil market, the government has invited Kenyans to help choose a name for the crude, with submissions closing on October 29.The State Department for Petroleum has invited individuals, communities, institutions and professional bodies to submit proposed names for the oil discovered in Turkana County more than 14 years ago.

In a public notice issued on October 27, the department said the exercise would help establish a commercial identity for Kenyan crude. The selected name is expected to appear on cargo documents, trading platforms and international oil price reports.

The government has set Thursday, October 29, at 5pm as the deadline for receiving proposals.

Applicants must suggest a name, explain its meaning and provide their contact details, including a phone number and email address.The proposed name should reflect Kenya’s identity, promote patriotism and be easy to pronounce and remember. It should also represent the country as a whole rather than a particular county, community or company.

Names with political, religious or divisive associations will not be accepted. The chosen name must also be available for trademark registration in Kenya and internationally.

Submissions can be made through the State Department for Petroleum’s online portal, by email , or in a sealed envelope addressed to the Principal Secretary at Kasneb Towers Two, 11th floor, Nairobi.

The naming exercise comes as the government prepares to move the South Lokichar Basin project from exploration and pilot production towards full commercial operations.

Commercially viable oil was discovered in the basin in 2012, but the project has faced delays over the years. Development work has since progressed under Gulf Energy as Kenya works towards commercial production.

According to reports, Kenya is targeting initial production of about 20,000 barrels per day, with the first crude exports through the Port of Mombasa expected in the first quarter of 2027.The planned production would mark a significant step in Kenya’s efforts to develop its petroleum resources and enter the international oil market. Kenyans now have an opportunity to help choose the name that will represent the country’s crude as it prepares to reach global markets.

source;https://www.tuko.co.ke/business-economy/energy/644551-kenya-sets-oil-production-date-invites-public-countrys-oil/