President Uhuru Kenyatta reaches out to Qatar investors

President Uhuru Kenyatta with the Qatar delegation during a tour of the new port which is under construction in Doha, Qatar. [Photo: PSCU]

By PSCU

Doha, Qatar: President Uhuru Kenyatta has invited Qatari investors to partner with the Jubilee Government in exploration of oil and generation of natural gas.

Noting Qatar’s demonstrated expertise in the energy sector, President Kenyatta said co-operation between the two countries would accelerate Kenya’s efforts in achieving its energy targets.

“Kenya is the door to the East African region. Co-operation 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,” he said.

President Kenyatta spoke during a meeting with Qatari Energy and Industry Minister, His Excellency 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 developed 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 offered 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.

Conducive environment

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 Mombasa.

Qatari Energy Minister said his country 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.

 He pointed out 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 East African region.