06-09-03 An Australian company is about to start prospecting for oil in the Coast Province. Woodside Energy will start with geological studies in the region which will take between 12 to 18 months.
The company's exploration manager, Mr Peter Grant, said it was still too early to comment on the prospects for oil.

Mr Grant made the remarks when he and the Australian High Commissioner, Mr Paul Comfort, paid a courtesy call on the Mombasa mayor, Taib A. Taib.
"We ask Kenyans to be patient since this is a project that will take a lot of time," Mr Grant said. He added: "If the environmental factors are favourable, we shall continue with the project."
He said the cost of exploration for the period Woodside Energy would be in the country was about $ 4.2 mm (Sh 319 mm) -- up from the initial estimate of $ 3 mm.

Mr Grant said his company's oil prospecting technology had proved successful in Australia and Mauritania.
"We enjoy being the leading operator in the exploration and production sector, having made our first success in the US, and we hope to add Kenya to our success list soon," he said.