Gulf Energy Announces 39 Job Vacancies Ahead of Kenya’s First Commercial Oil Production in Turkana

Gulf Energy Announces 39 Job Vacancies Ahead of Kenya’s First Commercial Oil Production in Turkana

Kenya’s long-awaited journey toward becoming an oil-producing nation has received a major boost after Gulf Energy Group announced 39 job vacancies ahead of the country’s first commercial oil production project in Turkana.

The recruitment drive, unveiled through a public notice on Thursday, marks a significant milestone in the development of the South Lokichar Basin oil project, which is expected to deliver Kenya’s first commercial oil by December 2026.

The vacancies span a wide range of professional fields, including engineering, operations, logistics, environmental management, finance, security, communications, and project leadership, reflecting the scale and complexity of the ambitious energy venture.

According to Gulf Energy, the recruitment exercise forms part of preparations for the final stages of development before oil production begins later this year.

“Gulf Energy E&P BV is an independent upstream petroleum company within the Gulf Energy Group, and we’re leading the South Lokichar Basin oil development, Kenya’s first commercial oil development and a national investment that will shape the country for generations,” the company stated.

The firm further emphasized the importance of building a highly skilled workforce capable of delivering one of Kenya’s most transformative energy projects.

“We’re driving towards a defining milestone: First Oil by December 1, 2026. Getting there demands a team that performs at the highest level. We’re building a culture where excellence is the standard, accountability is shared, and people are trusted to deliver on commitments that matter to the whole country,” the notice added.

The South Lokichar Basin project has been viewed as a potentially game-changing development for Kenya’s economy, with expectations that it could generate significant government revenues, create employment opportunities, and stimulate economic growth in Turkana County and beyond.

Among the positions advertised are senior-level technical and operational roles, including Senior Drilling Engineer, Senior Completions Engineer, Production Engineer, Operations Superintendent, and Environmental Advisor.

The company is also seeking professionals in support functions such as Human Resources, Finance, Communications, Logistics, and Security Management.

Some of the advertised positions include Field Security Advisor, Human Resources Officer, Communications and Digital Officer, Logistics Coordinator, Production Specialist, and Accounting professionals.

In addition to experienced professionals, Gulf Energy has opened opportunities for recent graduates through several trainee programmes aimed at nurturing local talent in the energy sector.

The graduate positions target young professionals in electrical engineering, mechanical engineering, process engineering, geology, reservoir engineering, petrophysics, and other geoscience-related disciplines.

Industry analysts say the graduate trainee programme could play a critical role in building Kenya’s future petroleum workforce and reducing reliance on foreign expertise as the sector expands.

Most of the successful candidates will be deployed in Turkana County, where the oil fields are located, while others will work from Nairobi and Mombasa offices or operate on rotational schedules between project sites and urban centres.

The company noted that local participation remains a key pillar of the project and encouraged qualified residents from Turkana and other parts of Kenya to apply for the available positions.

The recruitment announcement comes as anticipation continues to build around Kenya’s oil ambitions. The South Lokichar Basin is estimated to contain more than 560 million barrels of recoverable oil reserves, making it one of the country’s most significant natural resource discoveries.

Energy experts believe successful commercialization of the project could strengthen Kenya’s energy security, attract additional foreign investment, and position the country as an emerging player in Africa’s petroleum industry.

Applicants interested in the positions are required to possess relevant academic qualifications, professional certifications where applicable, and the ability to work in demanding or remote operational environments.

Applications will be submitted through Gulf Energy’s official careers portal, with the company setting June 26, 2026, at 5:00 PM as the deadline for submissions.

As Kenya edges closer to achieving first oil production, the recruitment exercise represents another crucial step toward transforming years of exploration and planning into a fully operational petroleum industry capable of delivering economic benefits for generations to come.

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Gulf Energy Announces 39 Job Vacancies Ahead of Kenya’s First Commercial Oil Production in Turkana