France’s Total is looking to expand its position on Africa’s east coast with the addition of some acreage in Kenya. Martin Heya, Kenya’s commissioner for petroleum said that Total Kenya has shown early interest in exploring for oil in Kenya and that the company approached the Kenyan government in May about a specific block.

Total is waiting for the government to survey the block and negotiate. A Total spokeswoman declined comment on the Kenyan report according to a Dow Jones Newswire article, but did say it was normal for the company to look at opportunities in places where it hasn't yet explored.

The French company joined Tullow Oil in Uganda earlier this year. This fact, along with its reported interest in Kenyan acreage underscores the growing importance of East Africa’s petroleum potential.

Share Link: