Gov’t Plans To Generate New Revenue by Supplying Water From Turkwel Dam To Turkana Oil Project in South Lokichar
The national government is planning to generate income by supplying water for commercial oil production in the South Lokichar fields through a proposed 90-kilometre pipeline from Turkwel Dam.
According to a field development plan currently awaiting parliamentary approval, the pipeline is also expected to support domestic water needs and irrigation activities in parts of Turkana and West Pokot counties.
Oil extraction and processing require large volumes of water for drilling and refining operations. Through Gulf Energy, Kenya intends to begin commercial production in the Turkana oil blocks T6 and T7 by December 2026, marking a significant milestone nearly 14 years after crude oil was first discovered in the region.
The plan indicates that studies identified Turkwel Dam as the most practical water source. Under the proposal, the national government will construct the pipeline to Lokichar, while Gulf Energy will purchase the water at a commercial rate to be set by the government.
However, key details such as the final tariff for water supply, the total cost of the pipeline, and the financing arrangements remain undisclosed. While the pipeline infrastructure is still under consideration, the irrigation component of the project is expected to be funded through the National Infrastructure Fund.
Gulf Energy, which acquired the Turkana oil venture from Tullow Kenya BV, projects an initial production capacity of about 20,000 barrels per day between 2026 and 2032. Output is then expected to increase to approximately 50,000 barrels per day from 2032 onwards.
The development plan further outlines irrigation of at least 2,000 acres of land, split equally between Turkana and West Pokot, using water from the pipeline. Additionally, six water distribution points are proposed to enhance access to clean and safe water for local communities, although it is still unclear whether residents will be charged for the service.
The water supply project forms part of broader government investments aimed at positioning Kenya as a fully fledged oil-producing nation.
