Kenya to Launch its First Licensing Round by September 2025
Kenya has said that it will launch its First Licensing Round set by September 2025 after it restructured its petroleum exploration blocks to align with global best practices and its legal frameworks. The East African nation says the move has enabled Kenya to identify ten highly prospective blocks, selected based on geoscientific data and will present a unique opportunity for investors to explore the country’s hydrocarbon potential through a transparent and merit-based process
The announcement was made by Energy and Petroleum Cabinet Secretary Opiyo Wandayi in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, during the Eleventh East African Petroleum Conference and Exhibition 2025 (EAPCE 2025 where the CS said the blocks are strategically located in the Lamu and Anza basins, regions with proven discoveries and significant untapped potential.
He emphasized that to support informed decision-making, Kenya has compiled comprehensive geoscientific data, including seismic surveys, geological reports, and well data, all available at the National Data Centre hosted by the National Oil Corporation of Kenya. He encouraged investors to explore these resources for deeper insights into Kenya’s petroleum potential.
Also speaking in Dar es Salaam on the Status of Petroleum Activities in the EAC partners state Principal Secretary for Petroleum Mohamed Liban said the Government will provide incentives to investors in oil and gas exploration to help Kenya maximize benefits from the sector. He outlined upcoming investment opportunities, including the construction of an oil and gas pipeline, maintenance of refineries, and expansion of LPG storage infrastructure.
The CS also highlighted that Kenya is making significant 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. He reiterated that these projects are designed to enhance Kenya’s competitiveness as a regional energy hub. Reaffirming the country’s commitment to attracting investment, Wandayi assured investors that Kenya provides a stable legal framework, flexible Production Sharing Contract (PSC) terms, and a government dedicated to the sustainable growth of the oil and gas sector.
Speaking in reaction to the announcement Muturi Kamau Network Coordinator at the Kenya Oil and Gas Working Group (KOGWG) said the decision poses a monumental risk to both marine species and the livelihoods of artisanal fisherfolk especially seismic surveys, particularly the use of seismic airguns, have severe impacts on marine life — from physical injuries to behavioral changes, including disrupted communication and navigation.
“Approximately 60,000 artisanal fisherfolk live along the Kenyan coast. Many of them have previously expressed concerns about seismic acquisition exercises damaging fishing grounds ‘Imbo’ and reducing catch volumes. With the government planning to open more areas for oil exploration, we risk further harming the marine environment and threatening the livelihoods of coastal communities. Now, more than ever, it’s crucial to raise a collective voice against these plans. Let’s protect our coastline and support sustainable livelihoods!”
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