Evolutionary Dynamics of the East African Rift System: Implications for Hydrocarbon Exploration

Abstract

Rifts formation is a complex mechanism that has always generated debate with different models being
fronted, from thermal bulges to cratonic pull, all in an attempt to explain how the rifts form. East Africa
rift system (EARS), and its associated sedimentary basins within the general regional tectonic
framework is one of the most active rifts in the world. The EARS has, over the years, experienced some
oil and gas exploration though characteristically low. However, with recent oil discoveries in Kenya
and Uganda (2012 and 2006 respectively), there has been resurgence in oil and gas hunt within the
extensive rift. This draws into perspective the real hydrocarbon potential EARS could hold.
Understanding the rift genesis and regional tectonic setting could help unearth the full potential of the
EARS. Hydrocarbon prospects in the region must be looked together with the regional Tectonic setting
as well as its history. The study describes regional Tectonic evolution of the Tertiary Rift basins and
how it impacted on the prospectivity of hydrocarbon potential rationale.