As Kenya inches closer to commercial oil production, Gulf Energy E&P BV has intensified preparations for the South Lokichar Basin project by securing a high-capacity onshore drilling rig from the Middle East — even as it awaits parliamentary approval of its Field Development Plan.
The company has leased the GW70 rig, valued at more than US$15 million, from Great Wall Drilling Company in the United Arab Emirates under a long-term arrangement.
The acquisition comes amid tight global supply of drilling equipment, signalling Gulf Energy’s determination to lock in critical infrastructure early and avoid costly mobilisation delays.
Chairman Francis Njogu said the contract provides for delivery, commissioning and full operational management of the 1,500-horsepower rig under a performance-based framework that also embeds skills transfer to Kenyan professionals — a move aimed at strengthening local capacity in the oil and gas value chain.
Before shipment to Kenya, a multi-agency delegation drawn from the national government and the Turkana County Government conducted a comprehensive inspection of the rig in Abu Dhabi’s Al Dhafra region.
The team included experts from the State Department for Petroleum and the Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA), reflecting heightened regulatory scrutiny ahead of drilling operations.
The GW70 unit has previously been deployed in projects run by the Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (ADNOC), where it established a strong record for safety and operational efficiency — credentials Kenyan authorities consider critical before greenlighting mobilisation to Turkana.
Turkana County officials led by County Secretary Dr. Amb. Richard Ekai said the inspection formed part of due diligence efforts initiated under the direction of Governor Jeremiah Ekamais Lomorukai.
Beyond mechanical performance, the delegation evaluated environmental safeguards, safety systems and local participation commitments.
The rig is expected to arrive in Mombasa by June before undergoing commissioning and acceptance testing ahead of planned spudding in early July. Despite pending legislative approvals, Gulf Energy has already allocated capital toward mobilisation, underscoring confidence in the project’s regulatory trajectory.
If drilling proceeds as scheduled and first oil is achieved by December 1, the South Lokichar development could unlock billions of shillings in projected revenues for Kenya, with government estimates ranging between US$1.05 billion and US$2.9 billion over the life of the project — potentially reshaping Turkana’s economic landscape and strengthening national energy security.
