President Uhuru Kenyatta on Thursday received a progress report on the planned Early Oil Pilot Scheme.
The report was presented to the President at State House, Nairobi, by the Ministry of Energy and Petroleum and the Kenya Joint Venture partners comprised of Tullow Oil, Africa Oil Corp and Maersk Oil.
The Energy Ministry officials were led by Cabinet Secretary Charles Keter and Principal Secretary for Petroleum Andrew Kamau whereas the Kenya Joint Venture partners were represented by Tullow Oil Chief Operating Officer Paul McDade, Timothy Thomas (Africa Oil) and Kevin Kennelley (Maersk Oil).
The partners confirmed to the President that their companies have approved the Final Investment Decision (FID) for the Early Oil Pilot Scheme (EOPS).
The scheme will utilise the existing wells in Turkana County to produce 2,000 barrels of oil per day. The oil will be transported to Mombasa by road, an important step towards full field development of the oil discoveries in blocks 10BB and 13T in Turkana County.
The National Government and the Turkana County Government will continue working closely with the joint venture partners in commencing export by June 2017.
President Kenyatta commended the team for the progress made so far and assured them of his full support in ensuring the project is successful.
Energy and Petroleum Cabinet Secretary said the teams are working within the agreed timelines to deliver the project.
He said his Ministry is also working closely with the Ministry of Transport and Infrastructure to ensure construction of the road leading to the oil fields in Lokichar is completed for smooth transportation.
Tullow Oil Chief Operating Officer McDade appreciated the Government’s commitment to the project and expressed optimism that it will be successful.
Turkana County Deputy Governor Peter Ekai assured the President of the County government’s support in realizing the dream of making Kenya an oil exporting country.
By PSCU.