Lodwar – April 22, 2026 (Public Communication and Media Relations)

The County Government has begun talks with Gulf Energy on fiscal terms for planned oil and gas exploration in the South Lokichar Basin.

Deputy Governor Dr. John Erus and Gulf Energy Country Manager Franklin Juma led the initial consultations on Tuesday. The teams discussed taxes, budgets, revenue, and financing as guided by legal instruments, including Finance Acts and the Field Development Plan (FDP).

Dr. Erus called for open and honest dialogue to ensure the county benefits from oil extracted within its borders.

“The county has already formed a special committee to identify all possible revenue streams from the exercise and advise accordingly. Governor Lomorukai has directed that this committee interrogate all proposals relating to shareable revenue,” he said.

He added that the County Government’s proposals will be guided by law, with the Office of the County Attorney providing legal direction at all times.

“Most of these discussions cover the imposition or variation of fees and charges on land surface, services rendered by the county, environment and natural resources utilized, energy, waste generation and disposal, among others. Our position on each proposal will be based on what the law provides and how best revenue potential can be harnessed,” Dr. Erus said.

According to a presentation by the Gulf Energy team, the first consignment of export-ready oil could be dispatched by December 2026, with the first oil revenue expected in February 2027.

The presentation also indicated that up to 43 wells will be drilled in the first year of operation, with additional wells planned in subsequent years subject to further exploration.

The consultative meeting also benefited from inputs by a section of the county members, Finance CECM Roseline Aite, and chief officers and directors from Lands, Revenue, Energy, Mining, Trade, Economic Planning, Environment and Legal Services, whose dockets directly intersect with oil exploration.