OREANDA-NEWS. July 05, 2012. Total announced the signature of a production sharing contract with the Kenyan government for Block L22, which it will operate with a 100% interest.

Covering an area of more than 10,000 square kilometers, the exploration license is located offshore the Lamu Archipelago in water depths of between 2,000 and 3,500 meters. The first phase of the exploration program consists of a 3D seismic survey.

Following the signing ceremony, Jacques Marraud des Grottes, Senior Vice President for Exploration & Production in Africa commented: “This most recent award is aligned with Total’s strategy of building a strong presence in the new basins of East Africa offering high-potential plays for exploration by leveraging our internationally recognized deep offshore expertise.”

Total has been present in Kenya — one of its longest established host countries — since 1955 through Total Kenya, headquartered in Nairobi. Total Kenya is listed on the Nairobi Stock Exchange and employs 385 people.

Market leader since its acquisition of Chevron’s assets in 2009, Total Kenya conducts the Group’s marketing operations in the country, notably with a network of 167 service stations, and positions in general retail, lubricants, LPG and aviation fuel distribution.

Total has been present in exploration and production 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 2012.