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Kenya flags off first consignment of crude oil

Storyline:Business, National News
President Uhuru Kenyatta (C) and Deputy President William Ruto (L) witness the pumping of the first oil flow from Turkana oil field in north western Kenya June 3, 2018. Photo: courtesy

By FAUXILE KIBET

Kenya has flagged off its first consignment of crude oil destined for export which will see the East African country join the Oil Producing and Exporting Countries (OPEC).

President Uhuru Kenyatta who flagged off the consignment Sunday at Lokichar said that the Early Oil Pilot Scheme will soon be followed by the Full Field Development phase which will see Kenya establish itself as a crude oil exporter in the region.

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

He added that Kenya and the entire region stands to gain from the production and exportation of petroleum products and also strengthen the existing economic and commercial partnerships and enhance the opportunities for growth and investments within the country.

“My Government will therefore focus on the development of our oil and gas sectors for the betterment of the economy and people,” said the President.

President Kenyatta flags the first track transporting crude oil to Mombasa for refining. Photo: courtesy

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.

Kenya’s Deputy President William Ruto said the flagging off event was writing another chapter in the history of Kenya and that the success of the exercise is the result of partnership between the Government, the local community and partners.

“The benefits of the project will be shared and no one will be left behind,” said the DP.

Petroleum and Energy Cabinet Secretary John Munyes said it was a ‘momentous time for Kenya’ as it exports the first oil from East Africa.