This archive report was first published on 26 August 2019.
On a historic day for Kenya, the first consignment of Kenyan crude oil left the Port of Mombasa on Monday, marking the country's entry into the league of petroleum exporting nations.
The shipment of 200,000 barrels of low sulphur crude from Kenya's oil fields in Turkana County is valued at Ksh.1.2 billion, exceeding initial projections.
Kenya is using this initial export to test the global market before embarking on large-scale commercial production of its oil.
President Uhuru Kenyatta flagged off the inaugural shipment of the crude oil, which was carried by the ship Celsius Riga, shortly after midday on Monday.
President Kenyatta described the occasion as a milestone moment for Kenya, saying it marked the beginning of a new era of prosperity for the country.
'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 emphasized the government's commitment to achieving sustainable development through the 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.
The Early Oil Pilot Scheme (EOPS), which commenced in June 2019, has shown global markets that Kenya possesses the know-how and infrastructure required to facilitate full production of commercial quantities of its oil resource.
President Kenyatta said the next phase following the success of the pilot project will include full field development, characterized by production and pipeline transportation of crude from Lokichar to the new Port of Lamu.
