The State Department for Petroleum and National Oil Corporation, are set to commence the research sampling of a flammable gas which was found in 2017 during a well drilling project in Kipeto, Kajiado West Sub County.
The geophysical survey of the land will also be done in August of 2025 to determine the source and contents of the gas in Kipeto.
During a public participation at the discovery site, State Department for Petroleum officials addressed a few concerns that the community had regarding continued research on the flammable gas and sensitized them on the research process.
Joshua Ngeshu, from The State Department of Petroleum reassured the community that despite the longevity of the research work, efforts were being put in to establish clear answers on the source and contents of the flammable gas.
“Research work is lengthy and time consuming but it is very necessary in the unlocking of possibilities regarding this matter. We therefore ask for patience, understanding and collaborative input to ensure the success of this project”, urged Ngeshu.
On his part, John Munyao, State Department of Petroleum representative, attributed the lengthy survey and geological process of outcrop sampling to the vast terrain of Kajiado County.
“We needed to gain an understanding of the terrain before any other ground breaking work such as research sampling and laboratory test could be conducted”, says Munyao.
Senior Chief, Kisaju sub location, Moses Siminkor encouraged community participation and corporation to guarantee a smooth transition of the process.
Furthermore, he requested for clear information dissemination channels to ensure inclusion of the community in matters that directly affect them and facilitate participation.
“We have had several researchers come in during the past few years after the discovery of this flammable gas. We only ask for progressional information and reports on the research done on our land to avoid possible friction with the community”, says Siminkorr.
Olooloitikoshi, Senior Assistant Chief, Jackson Konchella addressed the need for continued reassurances to the community through public participations and chief barazas on block-to-block research to ensure that the community is aware and has consented to research done on their land. Konchella guaranteed harmonious working relations with the researchers set to conduct the sampling and resting of the gas.
Daniel Kanchoo, a Nyumba kumi representative advocated for the possibility of need based corporate Social responsibility (CSR) in the area due to the activities of the Ministry of energy and Petroleum, urging the State officials to leave a positive impact on the Kipeto area.
“Activities and development project that address the needs of the community could go a long way in building a strong relationship and trust between the community and the government”, says Kanchoo.
The discovery of a flammable gas, suspected to be Methane, a main constituent of natural underground gas in 2017 during a well drilling project in Kipeto, Kajiado County, had raised hopes for wealth and development not only for the farmer, Joseph Melonyie ole Nakeel but also the entire community.
Methane is a gas compound with the chemical formula CH4 and is a group -14 hydride.
Melonyie had dedicated his time to farming focusing on animal husbandry on his 70-acre piece of land also marked as a wildlife conservancy area in inkokirding’a village.
Therefore, the discovery of gas due to his efforts to provide water for farming activities came as a much-welcomed surprise.
This blessing in disguise as described by Melonyie, graced an area plagued by constant drought and harsh weather conditions and was therefore a silver lining during a difficult time.
Due to the long wait and uncountable research expeditions, Melonyie’s hope for answers had dimmed as well as the community’s but they now see light at the end of the tunnel.
By Lauryn Nailantei
