Kenyas first Ksh.1.2B crude oil destined for Malaysia

Kenya’s dream to join the league of petroleum exporting countries became a reality as the first consignment of Kenyan crude oil left the Port of Mombasa on Monday.

The consignment of 200,000 barrels of low sulphur crude from Kenya’s oil fields in Turkana County destined for Malaysia is worth Ksh.1.2 billion, a price much higher than what was initially projected.

Kenya is using this initial export to test the global market before it embarks on large scale commercial production of its oil.

The inaugural shipment of the crude oil makes Kenya the first Eastern Africa country to become an oil exporting nation.

The Celsius Riga, the ship carrying the Kenyan crude oil left the Mombasa Port shortly after midday on Monday after it was flagged off by President Uhuru Kenyatta.

President Kenyatta said it was a milestone moment for Kenya as it becomes the first East African country to become an oil exporter.

“I am proud to say Kenya’s grand march to oil and gas production and export has begun. The flagging-off of this maiden consignment represents a new dawn for Kenya; and the beginning of an era of greater prosperity for all Kenyans,” President Kenyatta said.

The President said the government is committed to achieve sustainable development through prudent use of the country’s resources.

“We will ensure that Kenya’s natural resources are utilized in a manner that yields maximum dividends today but without compromising the interests of future generations,” said the President.

Kenya’s Early Oil Pilot Scheme (EOPS) commenced in June 2019 marking the beginning of the  journey towards full development of Kenya’s oil and gas resources.

President Kenyatta said EOPS has shown global markets that Kenya possesses the know-how and infrastructure required to facilitate full production of commercial quantities of its oil resource.

The President said that the next phase following the success of the pilot project will include full field development that will be characterized by production and pipeline transportation of crude from Lokichar to the new Port of Lamu.

President Kenyatta said the oil project has already brought benefits for the people of Turkana County, with the local communities directly benefiting from employment opportunities in production and logistics, in addition to provision of ancillary and support services.

“As we proceed to full field development, we will ensure that local communities are major beneficiaries of these resources,” President Kenyatta assured.

He said the government has put in place measures to ensure that the fruits of prosperity are shared with devolved units in an equitable and sustainable manner.

“We have also committed, as a government, to upgrade the Leseru to Lokichar Road; and the modification works at Kenya Petroleum Refinery Limited, to support the Early Oil Pilot Scheme,” said the President at the ceremony held at the Kipevu Oil Terminal inside the Port of Mombasa.