Gov't Opens Public Submissions for Naming of Kenya’s Crude Oil [Details]

The Ministry of Energy and Petroleum has invited Kenyans to submit proposals on the name of the country’s crude oil ahead of the planned commencement of commercial production.

In a notice on Friday, October 23, the ministry outlined the country’s progress towards becoming an oil-producing and exporting nation, with the first commercial oil development located in the South Lokichar Basin in Turkana County.

"Kenya is on the threshold of becoming a crude oil producing and exporting nation. Commercially viable crude oil was discovered in the South Lokichar Basin in Turkana County in 2012, and the fields that make up the Project now hold the country's first commercial oil development," the notice read.

According to the ministry, the government has set December 1, 2026, as the target date for First Oil, marking the transition from exploration and pilot production to full commercial production.

The ministry indicated that Kenyan crude oil would subsequently enter the international market, where it would be offered to refiners and traders.

"The Government has set 1st December 2026 as the date for First Oil, when Kenya moves from exploration and pilot production into full commercial production. Shortly afterwards, Kenyan crude will be offered to international refiners and traders," the notice added.

The ministry said the naming exercise is intended to establish a recognisable identity for Kenya’s crude oil as the country prepares to join the international oil trade.

It noted that crude oil traded internationally is identified by specific names associated with the countries or regions where it originates.

Examples include Brent crude from the United Kingdom, Murban from the United Arab Emirates, Bonny Light from Nigeria and Pearl Sweet from Uganda.

The ministry said the name selected for Kenya’s crude oil would shape how the country’s petroleum resources are identified and marketed internationally for years to come.

"Kenya's chosen crude name will be the country's commercial identity in the global oil market for decades, and it will carry Kenya's story to buyers globally. The Government therefore considers it right that Kenyans take part in choosing this name," the notice further read.

The ministry invited members of the public, communities, institutions, professional bodies and other interested stakeholders to submit their views and proposed names for the country’s crude oil.

Each submission must include the proposed name, its meaning and an explanation of why it would be suitable for Kenya’s crude oil.

Applicants must also provide their name, telephone number and email address, whether submitting as individuals or on behalf of an organisation.

The ministry said a suitable name must be distinctly Kenyan and represent the entire nation. 

It should also reflect patriotism, national pride and the identity Kenya wishes to project to the rest of the world.

The proposed name should be easy to pronounce and remember across different languages. 

It must not be associated exclusively with a particular county, community or company, and should not carry political, religious or divisive connotations.

Additionally, the name must be available for trademark registration in Kenya and internationally.

Kenyans can submit their proposals through the ministry’s online portal at https://www.petroleum.go.ke or by email to [email protected].

Those opting for physical delivery must place their submissions in a sealed envelope marked "Public Participation: Naming of Kenya's Crude Oil".

The envelope should be addressed to the Principal Secretary, State Department for Petroleum, and delivered to Kasmeb Towers Two, 11th floor.

The Ministry of Energy and Petroleum set the deadline for receiving proposals at 5.00 p.m. on Thursday, October 29, 2026.

This comes months after the Kenya Petroleum Refineries Limited (KPRL), a subsidiary of Kenya Pipeline Company (KPC), has entered into a long-term crude oil storage and handling contract with Gulf Energy E&P B.V. (GEBV).

In a statement on Thursday, August 27, KPC said internal projections estimate that the 25-year contract could generate gross revenue of approximately Ksh93.68 billion.

"Under the Contract, KPRL will provide facilities and services for the receipt, storage, handling and delivery of crude oil for export through Kipevu Oil Terminal II," the statement read.

KPC said the agreement will facilitate the utilization of KPRL’s infrastructure while expanding its participation in petroleum logistics and strengthening its long-term revenue outlook.

"The Contract supports the commercial utilization of KPRL’s existing and upgraded infrastructure and broadens KPC’s participation in petroleum logistics. This Contract is expected to contribute positively to KPC’s long-term revenue outlook through fixed service fees and the recovery of qualifying variable costs," the statement added.

KPC clarified that the projected Ksh93.68 billion revenue is based on anticipated crude oil throughput and applicable tariff assumptions and should not be interpreted as a guaranteed amount.

"Current internal projections estimate gross revenue of approximately Ksh93.68 billion over the 25-year contract period. This estimate is, however, based on projected throughput and tariff assumptions and does not constitute a guaranteed revenue commitment," the statement further read.