"This
flag-off event and the anticipated implementation of
the Early Oil Pilot Scheme mark the beginning of a
long and fruitful journey," Kenyatta said.Kenya
has hoped the EOP scheme will establish the country
as a crude oil exporter in the region and help gain
information for future exploration and development.
Under the scheme, some 2,000 barrels of oil per
day will be transported to Mombasa by road for
eventual shipment.
The EOPS is being undertaken by the Kenyan
government and the Kenya Joint Venture Partners
comprising Tullow Oil, Africa Oil and Total Oil.
The East African nation struck oil in 2012 and
has so far confirmed approximately 750 million
barrels. Kenya is currently undertaking the EOPS
before full field oil production commences in 2021.
Kenya in 2017 also signed an agreement for a
feasibility study on a proposed pipeline to
transport crude oil from the oilfields to Lamu.
Kenyatta said the initial petroleum exports will
complement the country’s existing development
projects under the Big Four Agenda.