Tullow Oil to drill first well in Elgeyo Marakwet

Tullow Kenya is to drill its first exploration well in Elgeyo Marakwet later this year, as the company expands its oil and gas search within the country.

The oil exploration company said the proposed exploration well named Lekep-A will be the first exploration well to be drilled by Tullow on Block 12A.

Speaking at a meeting with Elgeyo Marakwet leaders held at the Lelin hotel in Iten, Rob Gerrits, Tullow Kenya Social Performance Manager said the oil firm has already conducted an environment and social impact assessment exercise (ESIA) in readiness for the drilling.

“Before commencement of actual drilling operations, a series of pre-drilling activities will take place including consultations with host communities and their leaders, as well as seeking regulatory approvals from Government agencies including the National Environmental Management Authority (NEMA),” said Mr Gerrits.

The exploration well is expected to test if there are commercial quantities of hydrocarbons in the area.

“We have conducted seismic surveys and indentified a number of leads including the proposed Lekep-A well. Results as well as data collected from this exploration well are expected to provide further information for future drilling programs,” added Mr Gerrits.