Oil exploration set to begin in Turkana

The hunt for oil is set to begin in Turkana County after an oil exploration company started moving equipment in search for oil deposits.

Tullow Oil has set base at Lopii area in Turkana East in preparation to carry out survey to verify the availability of petroleum products in the arid Kerio Valley basin.

“The drilling of water boreholes is on to support the operations of the company during the survey for oil,” said Daniel Obolla, Turkana East District Commissioner.

“There are high expectations among the locals of securing casual employment and attain better living standards once the drilling operation commences,” added Mr Obolla.

The oil explorers are to drill wells in Kochodin location in Turkana East and Kalabata basin in Turkana South, in the intensified hunt for petroleum.

“The local community and leaders have been involved in preparation for the study to determine if there was enough oil deposits,” said Joseph Kanyiri, Turkana South District Commissioner.

After analysing seismic data, the oil explorers are expected to drill oil wells by September .

“The seismic report will determine if the area has oil for potential drilling,” said Mr Kanyiri.

He said the expiration will take place in block 10 BB and is expected to last for five months.

A Chinese oil exploring firm-China National Off-shore Oil Company (CNOOC) is drilling the 32nd well in the Anza basin of Isiolo district.

The expectation for the country to strike oil deposits has been on the rise as more oil exploration firms join the market.

Australia’s Woodside Energy is among several international firms that have been keen in search for oil and gas in the country.