Brief on a public hearing concerning the proposed Tana oil explorations

Public hearing held in Kipini, 10th August 2010

An Australian company called Flow Energy has developed a proposal to explore for oil in the Tana River Delta. The company has exclusive exploration rights on an area that stretches from Lango la Simba in the Tana Delta District to beyond Mpeketoni in Lamu and then extends out into the ocean. Most of the block is offshore.

To detect the seismographic contents of the earth’s crust, Flow Energy propose to plant small bombs ten metres underground and detonate them, producing vibrations that would be picked up by sensors.

Communities are expected to be moved at least 300m off the site of the explosions.  However, the people at the public hearing resented being forced to leave their homes to allow for the explosions. Many would demand compensation for the damages and inconvenience caused.  These have been promised by a representative from AG Chambers.

Many people were particularly concerned for the safety of their livestock, which graze freely in the area, and have rejected the explorations for this reason. Fishermen were also in opposition, as similar marine surveys carried out by the company have resulted in heavy damage to corals and fish populations.

In total, only three people were in support of the project, out of about 200 present at the public hearing.  It is therefore expected that NEMA will obey the wishes of the people and reject the project.

(Adapted from a brief by Francis Kagema, Nature Kenya)