{"id":14818,"date":"2025-04-02T09:48:25","date_gmt":"2025-04-02T09:48:25","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.oilnewskenya.com\/?p=14818"},"modified":"2025-04-02T10:14:44","modified_gmt":"2025-04-02T10:14:44","slug":"kenya-to-launch-its-first-licensing-round-by-september-2025","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.oilnewskenya.com\/index.php\/kenya-to-launch-its-first-licensing-round-by-september-2025\/","title":{"rendered":"Kenya to Launch its First Licensing Round by September 2025"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

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\u2019s hydrocarbon potential through a transparent and merit-based process<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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\u2019s petroleum potential.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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\u2019s competitiveness as a regional energy hub. Reaffirming the country\u2019s 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. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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 \u2014 from physical injuries to behavioral changes, including disrupted communication and navigation. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

“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\u2019s crucial to raise a collective voice against these plans. Let\u2019s protect our coastline and support sustainable livelihoods!”<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

ACQUIRE A COPY OF OUR LAST KENYA UPSTREAM OUTLOOK HERE<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

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 … Read More<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":24,"featured_media":14824,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_jetpack_newsletter_access":"","_jetpack_dont_email_post_to_subs":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_tier_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paywalled_content":false,"_jetpack_feature_clip_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":"","jetpack_publicize_message":"","jetpack_publicize_feature_enabled":true,"jetpack_social_post_already_shared":false,"jetpack_social_options":{"image_generator_settings":{"template":"highway","default_image_id":0,"font":"","enabled":false},"version":2},"jetpack_post_was_ever_published":false},"categories":[7442,7443,11],"tags":[165,7368,1252,1376,11895,1387,1690,11894,2092],"class_list":["post-14818","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-countries","category-eastern-africa","category-top-news","tag-anza","tag-east-african-petroleum-conference-and-exhibition","tag-kenya","tag-lamu","tag-lamu-lokichar-pipeline-project","tag-lapsset","tag-national-oil-corporation-of-kenya","tag-opiyo-wandayi","tag-psc","entry"],"jetpack_publicize_connections":[],"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.oilnewskenya.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/Kenya-First-Licensing-Round-Oil-Gas-Blocks.jpg?fit=941%2C1187&ssl=1","jetpack_shortlink":"https:\/\/wp.me\/p5JWkQ-3R0","jetpack-related-posts":[{"id":10193,"url":"https:\/\/www.oilnewskenya.com\/index.php\/ion-awarded-exclusive-agreement-for-3d-multi-client-programs-offshore-kenya\/","url_meta":{"origin":14818,"position":0},"title":"ION Awarded Exclusive Agreement for 3D multi-client Programs offshore Kenya","author":"","date":"April 9, 2021","format":false,"excerpt":"ION Geophysical Corporation has announced that the Company was awarded an exclusive agreement for 3D multi-client programs offshore Kenya. The agreement includes both 3D new acquisition offshore the Lamu Basin and reimaging vintage data offshore Kenya. Offshore Kenya is an attractive area with a proven petroleum system; however, it has\u2026","rel":"","context":"In "Countries"","block_context":{"text":"Countries","link":"https:\/\/www.oilnewskenya.com\/index.php\/category\/countries\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.oilnewskenya.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/Lamu-basin.png?fit=420%2C377&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200},"classes":[]},{"id":7635,"url":"https:\/\/www.oilnewskenya.com\/index.php\/kenya-to-undertake-3d-seismic-over-the-shallow-offshore-area-lamu-basin\/","url_meta":{"origin":14818,"position":1},"title":"Kenya to Undertake 3D Seismic Over the Shallow Offshore Area Lamu Basin","author":"","date":"April 4, 2019","format":false,"excerpt":"The Ministry of Petroleum and Mining will undertake 3D seismic acquisition over the shallow offshore area Lamu basin for the purpose of promoting the area for petroleum exploration and development through competitive round scheduled for 2021","rel":"","context":"In "Top News"","block_context":{"text":"Top News","link":"https:\/\/www.oilnewskenya.com\/index.php\/category\/top-news\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.oilnewskenya.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/04\/Earlier-Targeted-Area-for-3D-Seismic-for-Lamu-Offshore-Area.png?resize=350%2C200&ssl=1","width":350,"height":200},"classes":[]},{"id":536,"url":"https:\/\/www.oilnewskenya.com\/index.php\/international-companies-operating-in-kenya-and-the-blocks-awarded\/","url_meta":{"origin":14818,"position":2},"title":"International companies operating in Kenya and the oil blocks awarded","author":"Samuel Kamau Mbote","date":"February 18, 2014","format":false,"excerpt":"Source:Ministry of Energy and Petroleum Operator\/Contractor Block No. Basin Name Afren\/Lion 1 Mandera Afren\/EAX L17\/L18 Lamu Offshore Simba Petroleum 2A Mandera Lion Petroleum 2B Mandera Vanoil Resources 3A\/3B Anza Africa Oil 9 Anza Tullow Oil\/Africa Oil 10A Anza Tullow Oil\/Africa Oil 10BA\/10BB\/12A\/13T Tertiary Rift Tullow Oil\/Swala Energy 12B Tertiary Rift\u2026","rel":"","context":"In "Oil Politics"","block_context":{"text":"Oil Politics","link":"https:\/\/www.oilnewskenya.com\/index.php\/category\/oil-politics\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.oilnewskenya.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/02\/blocks.jpg?fit=468%2C628&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200},"classes":[]},{"id":4546,"url":"https:\/\/www.oilnewskenya.com\/index.php\/history-of-oil-exploration-in-kenya-1950-to-2010\/","url_meta":{"origin":14818,"position":3},"title":"History Of Oil Exploration In Kenya (1950 To 2010)","author":"","date":"April 5, 2016","format":false,"excerpt":"1950\u2019S - Oil exploration commenced 1960 to 1984 - 16 wells drilled mainly in the Lamu and Anza basins 1981- National Oil was incorporated in 1981 1984 GOK enacted new Petroleum (Exploration and Production) Act. 1986 Petroleum (E & P) Act revised. Royalties replaced by PSC\u2019s 1985 to 1992 -\u2026","rel":"","context":"In "PSCs"","block_context":{"text":"PSCs","link":"https:\/\/www.oilnewskenya.com\/index.php\/category\/pscs\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"Discovery wells kenya","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.oilnewskenya.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/04\/Discovery-wells-kenya.png?resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.oilnewskenya.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/04\/Discovery-wells-kenya.png?resize=350%2C200 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.oilnewskenya.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/04\/Discovery-wells-kenya.png?resize=525%2C300 1.5x"},"classes":[]},{"id":2922,"url":"https:\/\/www.oilnewskenya.com\/index.php\/kenya-oil-gas-upstream-sector-fact-file-shortened\/","url_meta":{"origin":14818,"position":4},"title":"Kenya Oil and Gas (upstream) sector fact file – shortened","author":"","date":"May 15, 2015","format":false,"excerpt":"Source: Ministry of Energy and Petroleum 1950-1992: \u00a030 wells drilled by international oil companies in Kenya\u2019s sedimentary basins. Two more wells drilled in the period stretching to 2010. None of them was a discovery. Basically 1992 to 2005 was a dormant period that saw zero wells drilled. 2012: Ngamia 1\u2026","rel":"","context":"In "Top News"","block_context":{"text":"Top News","link":"https:\/\/www.oilnewskenya.com\/index.php\/category\/top-news\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.oilnewskenya.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/04\/human-rights.jpg?fit=668%2C444&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.oilnewskenya.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/04\/human-rights.jpg?fit=668%2C444&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.oilnewskenya.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/04\/human-rights.jpg?fit=668%2C444&ssl=1&resize=525%2C300 1.5x"},"classes":[]},{"id":7745,"url":"https:\/\/www.oilnewskenya.com\/index.php\/qatar-petroleum-acquires-interest-in-three-offshore-kenya-blocks-in-deal-with-eni-and-total\/","url_meta":{"origin":14818,"position":5},"title":"Qatar Petroleum acquires interest in three offshore Kenya blocks in deal with Eni and Total","author":"","date":"July 24, 2019","format":false,"excerpt":"Qatar Petroleum has acquired three offshore blocks (L11A, L11B and L12) in Kenya after closing a deal with Eni and Total the company has announced. The partners comprising the consortium will consist of affiliates of each of Eni (the operator) with a 41.25% participating interest, Total with a 33.75% participating\u2026","rel":"","context":"In \"Lamu Basin\"","block_context":{"text":"Lamu Basin","link":"https:\/\/www.oilnewskenya.com\/index.php\/tag\/lamu-basin\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.oilnewskenya.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/07\/Qatar-Petroleum.png?fit=622%2C595&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.oilnewskenya.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/07\/Qatar-Petroleum.png?fit=622%2C595&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.oilnewskenya.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/07\/Qatar-Petroleum.png?fit=622%2C595&ssl=1&resize=525%2C300 1.5x"},"classes":[]}],"jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"jetpack_likes_enabled":true,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.oilnewskenya.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/14818","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.oilnewskenya.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.oilnewskenya.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.oilnewskenya.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/24"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.oilnewskenya.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=14818"}],"version-history":[{"count":2,"href":"https:\/\/www.oilnewskenya.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/14818\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":14822,"href":"https:\/\/www.oilnewskenya.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/14818\/revisions\/14822"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.oilnewskenya.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/14824"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.oilnewskenya.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=14818"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.oilnewskenya.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=14818"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.oilnewskenya.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=14818"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}