President Uhuru Kenyatta is shown a model plan of the new port administration block which is under construction by the Project Executive Director Nabeel Mohammed AL-Buenain when he toured the site in Doha City, Qatar/PSCU
Noting Qatar’s demonstrated expertise in the energy sector, President Kenyatta said cooperation between the two countries would accelerate Kenya’s efforts in achieving its energy targets.
“I encourage Qatari entities in the energy sector to participate in the Kenyan energy sector where substantial returns and mutual benefits can be expected,” President Kenyatta said.
He added: “Kenya is the door to the East African region. Cooperation with Qatar in the energy sector will not only benefit Kenya but also our neighbours in the region by opening the region to diverse investments.”
President Kenyatta spoke during a meeting with Qatari Energy and Industry Minister, Mohamed Saleh Al Sada in Doha.
The President said the Jubilee Government has prioritised the provision of energy as a key driver of the growth envisaged in Vision 2030 and has develop a medium term strategy for the production of 5000 MW of power by 2016 targeting a rich mix of energy sources among which green energy is prominent.
To complement the Government’s efforts, the President said a framework for private sector participation in generation of electricity had been introduced.
“Six independent power producers have already been licensed to address the shortfall in our energy production, and to enhance our production – as we must if we are to meet the demands of the future,” the President said.
The Head of State said Kenya seeks the support of Qatar in energy generation – especially in the supply of petroleum oil and LNG gas – to address the energy deficit the country now faces.
He said Kenya offers immense investment opportunities in the energy sector; in oil and gas exploration and development; and in power generation from gas, coal, hydro and geothermal power.
The President noted that Kenya Pipeline had already signed a Non-Disclosure Agreement with Qatar Gas to start negotiation for the supply of 1 million metric tonnes per annum of LNG to Kenya to power the 700-megawatt gas plant in the port city of Mombasa.
On his part, Qatari Energy and Industry Minister Saleh Al Sada said Qatar was keen on working with Kenya in energy and other sectors of mutual benefit given the conducive business environment created by President Kenyatta’s leadership.
The Qatari Energy and Industry Minister said that for the one year he has been in office, President Kenyatta had proved to be a solid pillar for development not only for Kenya but also for the East African region and beyond. President Kenyatta is the current chair of the East African Community.
