Kenya applies for trade name for its Turkana oil, clearing hurdle for sale

Kenya’s Ministry of Energy and Petroleum has invited the public to submit a trade name for South Lokichar crude by October 29, ahead of commercial production scheduled to begin on December 1, 2026. Gulf Energy plans to start drilling in Blocks T6 and T7 on November 1 and initially transport the oil by truck to Mombasa for export. The crude is described as light and sweet, with low sulphur content, making it cleaner and cheaper to refine, though its high wax content could raise transport costs. The proposed name must be eligible for trademark registration in Kenya and internationally, giving the oil a recognizable identity in global markets.