Africa Oil announces oil and gas discovery in Block 9 onshore Kenya

Africa Oil has made a new gas discovery at the Sala Prospect in Block 9 of onshore Kenya.

The Sala-1 drilled a large 80km² anticlinal feature along the northern basin bounding fault in the Cretaceous Anza graben and found various sandstone intervals containing oil and gas shows.

The well, which was drilled to a depth of 3,030m, encountered three zones of interest of more than 1,000m, within which tests were undertaken.

The company said that an upper gas bearing interval tested dry gas at a maximum rate of 6mmcf/d from a 25m net pay interval.

Africa Oil is the operator of Block 9 and has a 50% stake, with Marathon Oil holding the other 50%.

Both firms are currently evaluating an appraisal plan to follow-up the discovery, in consultation with the Kenyan Government.

Africa Oil is also considering drilling an appraisal well on the crest of the Bogal structure to identify the large potential gas discovery, which has closure over a 200km² area.

Africa Oil CEO Keith Hill said there is a great need for power in Kenya and also the potential for downdip oil and additional prospects on trend.

"We have a number of leads along this basin bounding fault and additional seismic data is being considered," Hill said.

"We continue to have a very active exploration and appraisal programme in both Kenya and Ethiopia, and have made significant progress in moving the South Turkana pipeline and development programme forward in cooperation with the Kenyan Government."