Kenya has begun high-level discussions with India to advance oil exploration and drilling in the Turkana region, aiming to unlock reserves in the South Lokichar Basin.
The talks, held on 19 June 2026, involved Energy Cabinet Secretary Opiyo Wandayi, Petroleum Principal Secretary Kello Harsama, and India’s High Commissioner to Kenya Dr Adarsh Swaika. They focused on exploration technology, drilling expertise, upstream investment, and liquefied petroleum gas supply chains.
The State Department for Petroleum stated: “The meeting explored opportunities for deepening strategic partnerships in oil exploration and drilling. They also deliberated on LPG investment aimed at enhancing Kenya’s energy security and supporting sustainable economic growth.”
Kenya plans to begin commercial drilling at the Turkana Ngamia wells by the end of the year. Recoverable reserves in the basin are estimated at hundreds of millions of barrels, with projected government earnings ranging from Ksh135.3 billion to Ksh374.4 billion depending on global oil prices.
The country recently acquired a Ksh1.9 billion drilling rig from the United Arab Emirates to support operations. The South Lokichar Basin has been under exploration since Tullow Oil’s 2012 discovery at the Ngamia-1 well.
