Tullow Kenya drilling suspension shows frontier uncertainties

摘要

While analysts have been quick to highlight fears of terrorism in Kenya following the attack on Westgate Mall, Tullow Oil was forced to suspend drilling in two blocks in the northwest at the weekend because of local residents demanding more jobs at the sites. While the incident appears relatively minor it is a demonstration of the uncertainties operators face in frontier regions. East Africa is seeing several countries having to quickly update regulations in order to accommodate successful exploration and also update their own desires to share in the success. The Tullow incident shows disparate requirements from local and national politicians, with the former wanting jobs now and the latter wanting production in order to provide tax income.