Tullow Oil this morning confirmed an oil find in Kenya.

Its Emekuya-1 well in Block 13T, Northern Kenya has encountered around 75 metres of net oil pay in two zones.

Exploration director Angus McCoss said: “The Emekuya-1 exploratory appraisal well has made an important discovery in the northern part of the South Lokichar Basin. This well has proven oil charge across a significant part of the Greater Etom structure and we are very encouraged by the quality and particularly the regional extent of the reservoir. We now look forward to the remainder of the Kenya exploration and appraisal campaign in support of the ongoing work to prepare this important asset for Full Field Development.”

Emekuya-1 is located 2.5 km north of Etom-2 and had the objective of drilling a fault block on the flank of the Greater Etom structure. The well was drilled by the PR Marriott Rig-46 to a total measured depth of 1,356 metres.

Downhole pressure measurements and fluid samples suggest that the main oil reservoir is on the same static pressure gradient as the Etom-2 well which demonstrates that a major part of the Greater Etom structure is oil-filled. The reservoir sands encountered also appear to be extensive which further de-risks the northern play area and bodes well for future exploration in the region, according to the firm.

The rig will now be moved to drill an up-dip appraisal well on the Greater Etom structure.