The government has invited Kenyans and other interested stakeholders to propose a name for the country’s crude oil as it prepares for the planned start of commercial production.
In a public notice, the State Department for Petroleum asked members of the public to submit proposed names alongside an explanation of their meaning and suitability.
Applicants are also required to provide their names, telephone numbers and email addresses.
The department said the proposed name should reflect Kenya’s national identity and pride, be easy to pronounce and remember internationally, and represent the entire country rather than a particular county, community or company.
The name should also avoid political, religious or divisive associations and be available for trademark registration locally and internationally.
The government says a commercial name will give Kenya’s crude oil a distinct identity in international markets, including in cargo documentation, price reporting and oil trading systems.
The notice draws comparisons with established crude oil grades such as Brent from the North Sea, Murban from the United Arab Emirates and Nigeria’s Bonny Light.
December 1, 2026, for its First Oil milestone, which is expected to mark a major step towards commercial production and exports.
The proposed naming exercise is intended to establish a recognisable commercial identity for Kenya’s crude oil as the country seeks to enter international oil markets.
