Kenya will join the league of oil exporting countries next year, Energy CS Charles Keter said yesterday.
He said “several” barrels of oil have been extracted at Lokichar in Turkana county.
The new CS said logistical challenges, including completion of a pipeline from Mombasa, are some of the hindrances to the process.
He did not specify the quantity of crude oil ready for export once the pipeline is completed early next year.
Oil export will bring down the cost of energy and spur economic growth in the country, Keter said.
Devolution CS Mwangi Kiunjuri called for a competent workforce as a precursor to achieving Vision 2030.
“The development of any nation is highly dependent of the individual success of citizens,” he said.
The two spoke in a Nairobi hotel during a forum organised by the United States International University to congratulate them on their appointment as CSs.
They are alumni of the institution. They studied for a Global Executive Master of Business Administration at the university.
Also present at the ceremony were chair of the Kenya National Chamber of Commerce and Industry Kiprono Kittony and Kieni MP Kanini Kega.
The two CSs said they will work to transform Kenya.
Keter said resigning as Kericho senator was one of the “most challenging” decisions he has made.
“We must be people with good morals as we serve this country. Many people in public service face a lot of integrity issues,” he said.
Kiunjuri called for political tolerance even as the general election political heat is being felt.
He said the opposition is an integral part of democracy and its views should be taken constructively.