Historic moment as President Kenyatta flags off Kenya’s first crude oil exports

david nganga

June 3, 2018 3:54 PM

The President flagged off trucks loaded with crude oil from Ngamia 8

President Uhuru Kenyatta on Sunday declared a “great day for Kenya” as he flagged off the first consignment of crude oil destined for export from Kenya.

The President flagged off trucks loaded with crude oil from Ngamia 8, in the Turkana oil fields as part of the Early Oil Pilot Scheme.

Kenya is using the Early Oil Pilot Scheme, which will soon be followed by the Full Field Development phase, to establish itself as a crude oil exporter in the region and provide valuable information for future exploration and development.

“This flag-off event and the anticipated implementation of the Early Oil Pilot (EOP) Scheme marks the beginning of a long and fruitful journey,” said President Kenyatta.

Economic partnerships

The President, who was accompanied by Deputy President William Ruto, said Kenya stands to gain a lot from the production and exportation of petroleum products.

He said the production of petroleum products will strengthen the existing economic and commercial partnerships and enhance the opportunities for growth and investments within the country.

The President said the initial petroleum exports will complement the country’s existing development projects under the Big Four agenda.

He said it will create scalable local employment and business opportunities including in the hospitality and security sectors.

It will also enhance vocational training opportunities for our young people to ensure that they participate in the oil and gas industry.

The pilot scheme will also incentivise better road infrastructure in the region and spur electricity connectivity to more households in Turkana.

Kenya’s breakthrough places it at the forefront in the East African region which is fast becoming a key player in the global petroleum sector.

“With the discovery of oil and gas in Uganda and Tanzania and the ongoing explorations in Ethiopia and DRC, Kenya finds itself in the company of other resourceful African nations,” said President Kenyatta.

Kenya embarked on the exploration of petroleum in Turkana County in 2012. Under the Early Oil Pilot Scheme 2,000 barrels of oil per day will be transported to Mombasa by road for eventual shipment.

david nganga