Introduction

Block 14T lies within the Kenyan Tertiary Rift basin. Block 14T is just south of Blocks 10BB and 13T where commercial discoveries of oil have been made and covers an area of more than 7,000 sq KM running to the border with Tanzania. National Oil Corporation of Kenya(Kenya) is the operator of the block.

Since taking over operatorship National Oil has been undertaking petroleum exploration activities within the Block including ground gravity survey, geochemical survey, Full Tensor Gradiometry (FTG), seismic as well as drilling of two stratigraphic wells.

Using the data acquired, the Corporation says it has been able to delineate one drillable prospect with potential for others.

In 2017 the national explorer released the invitation to tender for provision of onshore drilling services for the same block with emphasis on the company contracted being able to enhance skills and technology transfer to the staff of NOCK as well as foster local content through training of Kenyan drilling crews. Since then an MOU has been signed between NOCK and the Geothermal Development Company that would see the latter offer drilling services and know how including training of NOCK personnel.

National Oil Corporation of Kenya (NOC) could be seeking to drill its much anticipated first well in history  in 2019 in Block 14T where the company has been involved in the acquisition of seismic. NOC contracted BGP Kenya Limited, an affiliate of BGP International to acquire up to 300 line km of 2D seismic data in the Magadi sub basin.Earlier this year Geothermal Development Company and NOCK signed an MoU where GDC will offer National Oil drilling equipment as well as related specialized drilling services. 

Specifically, GDC will provide National Oil with one deep-drilling rig and personnel. According to the Kenya Basins Structural framework Map the approximate depth to basement in Block 14T is 0.5Km or less and is yet to be drilled.

The block received increased focus since the discovery of a pocket of gas in Kipeto Area, Kajiado county in October 2017 at a depth of just 200 meters although tests by Weatherford Laboratories, USA showed a possible mixed source both biogenic and thermogenic methane gas formation. The government  through the ministry of petroleum and mining has poured cold water on the finding saying the there  was nothing under the rocks crushing any hopes of further analysis on the well.

Operator

National Oil Corporation of Kenya(Kenya)

Contractor

BGP Kenya Limited: acquire up to 300 line km of 2D seismic data in the Magadi sub basin.

Geothermal Development Company(GDC)(Kenya): GDC will offer National Oil drilling equipment as well as related specialized drilling services. And will provide National Oil with one deep-drilling rig and personnel.