Flaring and venting of associated gas in upstream petroleum operations in Kenya A need for a zero-tolerance policy to ensure sustainable development of the environment

Abstract

This study will examine the use of legislation to stop gas flaring and venting of associated gas in upstream petroleum operations in Kenya, and proposes an alternative solution to the ongoing gas flaring in region. In exploring an alternative solution, this study details Kenya’s gas-flaring legislation; the Petroleum Act and the Model Product Sharing Contract, and the extent of their implementation, while analysing the impact they have on the environment and details how litigation can be used as a tool to combat gas flaring, juxtaposing the concept of the rule of law. This study concludes by suggesting that more stringent solutions should be explored in combating the gas flaring problem Kenya.