The Woodside Energy workers are drawn from Japan, Canada, United States and Europe.
Due to lack of expertise on oil drilling, there are only three Kenyans on the ship; Navy officer Eliud Keter, maritime security advisor Conrad Thorpe, and drilling engineer trainee Chris Kipchumba.
The drilling is conducted for 24 hours and workers in the ship are divided into two shifts each working 12 hours. The Austrarian firm's general manager Alex Taylor says with a 12 per cent chance of striking oil, Kenya should count itself lucky noting that in the industry, that was a good sign.
"If we discover oil, we will inform the Kenyan Government and Kenyans, but we will have to see if the amount we find is economically worth before starting production," adds Mr Taylor.
Oil exploration in Kenya has been dormant for over 25 years although it is regarded as the most prospective part of the East African off shore area, due to what experts term as a diverse geology that could hold significant gas and oil resources.
"When we began work at Mauritania, chances stood at about eight per cent and now their taps are flowing. Kenya's chances are higher but there is also a high chance of failure," said the general manager.
Source: The Nation
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