NAIROBI: Kenya has entered into a long-term agreement with Norway to develop the local oil sector. Under the deal, Norway will help Kenya to improve management of its natural resources and protection of the environment through the through the Oil for Development programme.
“The objective is for the oil and gas resources to benefit the country and its people,” said Norway minister of Foreign Affairs Borge Brende in a report published by the Norway Post. The programme established in 2005 has been in operation in Tanzania and Uganda.
The agreement was approved on December 17 and will be used to build capacity and resource management skills within the Kenyan public sector, and promote measures to prevent corruption in the oil and gas industry, the report said.
“Kenya is an engine of economic growth in Africa, and is becoming increasingly important for Norwegian interests. Sound and transparent management of its oil and gas resources will strengthen Kenya’s economy and create jobs, as well as bring revenues to the state. This agreement shows how development co-operation can mobilise capital for development,” said Brende.
The programme is expected to provide management training in resources, environmental and revenue management, and safety and preparedness. Norway is also sponsoring a five-year capacity development programme, Skills for Oil and Gas Africa, at a cost of approximately Sh939.38 million.
