(Ecofin Agency) - As part of efforts to fast track oil and gas exploration in Kenya, the National Oil Corporation of Kenya (Nock) and Geothermal Development Company (GDC) have signed a deal to provide joint drilling services for this development.

Under the agreement, GDC will provide the Nock with drilling equipment such as deep drilling rig and personnel as well as other specialized drilling services.The two companies will also collaborate in the area of training, sharing of equipment and facilities, collective tendering for consultancy and technical services.

According to GDC’s Managing Director, Johnson Ole Nchoe, the collaboration will involve the two State agencies carrying out drilling activities based on their individual and collective technical expertise.“As GDC we are happy to enter into this agreement with National Oil and this will present a unique opportunity for GDC ongoing efforts to optimize its assets in revenue generation,” Nchoe said.

For her part, the acting National Oil of Kenya’s Chief Executive Officer, MaryJane Mwangi (photo), noted that Kenya has great opportunities in oil and gas drilling.“The future of gas and oil exploration and production in our country and the region is very promising. The recent discoveries of oil and gas in Kenya and Uganda have made the region attractive for companies that offers drilling services and this is the opportunity that National Oil and GDC partnership seeks to exploit,” Mwangi told Daily NationKenya.

Anita Fatunji