Total has signed a production sharing contract with the Kenyan government for 100% interest and operation of a deepwater exploration block offshore the Lamu Archipelago in waters ranging 2,000-3,500m depth.
The French major said block L22 encompasses more than 10,000sq km and that its first phase of exploration of the new concession will be a 3D seismic survey.
Total has been in Kenya since 2011 and holds a 40% interest in the L5, L7, L11a, L11b, and L12 exploration licenses in the Lamu Basin, which are operated by Anadarko. Drilling of an exploration well is scheduled to begin in later this year.