Kenya has restructured its petroleum exploration blocks to align with global best practices and legal frameworks, a move aimed at attracting international investment and enhancing the country’s hydrocarbon exploration potential. Energy and Petroleum Cabinet Secretary Opiyo Wandayi made the announcement during the 11th East African Petroleum Conference and Exhibition 2025 (EAPCE 2025) held in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania.
According to Wandayi, the restructuring process has led to the identification of ten highly prospective blocks, selected based on geoscientific data. These blocks, located in the Lamu and Anza basins, will be available for Kenya’s First Licensing Round, set to launch by September 2025. These regions have proven petroleum discoveries and significant untapped potential, making them attractive to global investors.
To support investment, Kenya has compiled comprehensive geoscientific data, including seismic surveys, geological reports, and well data. These resources are available at the National Data Centre, hosted by the National Oil Corporation of Kenya, providing investors with critical insights into the country’s petroleum potential.
Kenya is also making substantial investments in infrastructure to support oil and gas exploration and development. Key projects include the expansion of Lamu Port under the LAPSSET Corridor Program and the improvement of road networks to facilitate logistics. Additionally, the Lamu-Lokichar pipeline project is expected to ensure seamless transportation of petroleum products, further enhancing Kenya’s competitiveness as a regional energy hub.
Wandayi emphasized that Kenya is committed to developing a skilled workforce to support the petroleum sector. Universities and technical institutions are offering specialized training in petroleum engineering, geology, and geophysics, ensuring a steady supply of local expertise to drive industry growth. The government continues to prioritize capacity-building initiatives to foster innovation and sustainability in the sector.
Reaffirming Kenya’s commitment to attracting investment, Wandayi assured investors that the country provides a stable legal framework, flexible Production Sharing Contract (PSC) terms, and a government dedicated to the sustainable growth of the oil and gas industry. With these measures in place, Kenya is positioning itself as a key player in the East African energy sector, offering lucrative opportunities for exploration and development.
