The petroleum industry in Kenya is relatively new in terms of mining and exploration. Oil was first discovered in 2012 by British firm Tullow Oil. As to whether they are commercially viable is still being analysed. Currently, the oil industry is controlled by importation and refining.
The history of oil marketing in Kenya began in 1903 during colonial times. Initially, kerosene was the main import in tins but later gasoline was imported in tins and drums. Royal Dutch Shell established the first depot on the Mombasa island at Shimanzi.
According to Deloitte in 2013, Kenya has four prospective sedimentary basins: Anza, Lamu, Mandera and the Tertiary Rift. The Lamu basin extends offshore.
Oil is regulated by the Energy Regulation Commission and the Ministry of Mining. Current traders include the National Oil Corporation of Kenya, Shell, Tullow Oil, KenolKobil, MOGAS, Hass, Hashi Energy, Gulf Energy, Olympic, Dalbit Petroleum, Petrocam. In August, 2019. Kenya exported its first crude oil from the port of Mombasa. This is an experimental stage to test the country’s crude oil before full production and exportation which will begin in 2024
