Is Kenya getting it right?

Burundi has started exploration in Rusizi and Lake Tanganyika basins.

Opinion is divided as to whether the Kenya government has done a good job of monitoring exploration activities to detect whether these companies have been performing in accordance with conditions stipulated in the licences.

The manner in which licences are extended has attracted a great deal of criticism.

Still, a great deal of activity is going on.

Africa Oil will shortly be starting major seismic studies on Block 10A and 10BB.

East Africa Oil Exploration and Lion Petroleum are also expected to commence seismic work on their blocks.

Vangold Resources says it will be shortly tendering for a seismic programme.

Other companies in different stages of preparations are Swiss Oil, an American company, Anadarko and Gipsyland.