"Scott has said the fields in Kenya (and Uganda) are analogues...

"Scott has said the fields in Kenya (and Uganda) are analogues with respect to the string of pearls- similar geology and rift basin setting. They are actually further away (2500 - 3000 Km maybe). No need for a negative attitude, better to be proactive by finding out what they are up to."

Thinking aloud while I wake up:

I believer the new mud consultant they're bringing in has worked on Tullow Oil's Lokichar Basin operations. As you note the distance between Lokichar Basin and IVZ's operations is around 2200km.

Looking to analogous sequences in other basins is useful when geology or tectonic factors are the root causes for hole problems. However after hearing SM's recent comments about overbalance in M1 and sidetrack being so high that he suspected there was fracking of the formation going on I'm more inclined to think that the mud system was the main reason for our issues....we're simply running with too high a mud weight.

There was also mention of mechanical damage to the bore hole from the drill string. IMO this is most likely exasperating the fracturing being induced by the mud system overbalance.