The government has invited Kenyans and interested stakeholders to propose a name for the country’s crude oil ahead of the planned start of commercial production in December 1, 2026.
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 Govemment 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, the State Department for Petroleum says that Kenyan crude will be offered to international refiners and traders.
Why the crude needs a name
Every crude oil traded in the world is known by a name. Brent speaks for the United Kingdom, Murban for the United Arab Emirates, Bonny Light for Nigeria and Pearl Sweet for Uganda.
That name appears on cargo documents, international price reports and trading screens, and it travels with every barrel the country sells.
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.
Pursuant to Articles 10 and 118 of the Constitution of Kenya, 2010 and the Petroleum Act, Cap. 308, the State Department for Petroleum is inviting members of the public, communities, institutions, professional bodies and other interested stakeholders to submit views and proposals on the naming of Kenya’s crude oil.
Submissions should indicate: The proposed name, its meaning and why it is suitable, as well as the name, telephone number and email address of the person or organisation submitting.
Submissions will be assessed against the following;
According to the State, a proposed name should be distinctly Kenyan and speak for the whole nation, be patriotic, carrying national pride and the identity Kenyans wish to present to the world. It should also be easy to pronounce and remember in any language, not be tied to a single county, community or company.
Additionally, the name should carry no political, religious or divisive association, and should be available for trademark registration in Kenya and internationally.
How to submit
Views may be submitted through any one of the following channels:
- Online portal; https://www.petroleum.go.ke
- Email; [email protected]
- Physical delivery; In a sealed envelope marked “PUBLIC PARTICIPATION: NAMING OF KENYA’S CRUDE OIL”, addressed to the Principal Secretary, State Department for Petroleum, Kasneb Towers Two, 11th floor.
Deadline for all submissions is not later than 5.00 p.m. on Thursday, 29th October 2026.
