Kenya will resume issuing licences for exploration of new oil blocks once the new petroleum laws are in place.
Ministry of Energy Senior Principal Superintending Geologist Hudson Andambi said that out of Kenya’s 46 oil blocks, only 41 are under exploration.
“The World Bank is currently assisting Kenya to carry out a comprehensive review of the country’s petroleum statutes,” Mr Andambi said.
Kenya’s government issued a directive to stop exploration in the new oil blocks a few months before the general election in 2013.
“Most oil explorers acquired their licences through direct negotiations with the government,” the ministry of energy official said.
“However, under the need regime, oil blocks will be auctioned,” Mr Andambi said.
According to the ministry of energy, Kenya’s drive to expand generation capacity of electricity will eventually reduce reliance on thermal production.
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