The Principal Secretary State Department for Petroleum Mohamed Liban has lauded the pivotal role played by the Geographical Information System tool (GIS) in addressing the challenges encountered during the exploration of natural resources.
Liban spoke in Mombasa during the official opening of GIS training and remote sensing for geologists, geophysicists, petroleum engineers, petroleum environmental auditors and petroleum auditors and risk analyst officers.
He said the system serves as a powerful technological tool in addressing the challenges encountered during the exploration, development, and exploitation of natural resources.
He explained that the training will present a valuable opportunity to technical staff to expand their knowledge in the field which directly aligns with the State Department’s mandate of ensuring oil and gas capacity development.
“By facilitating the handling of spatial data and spatial information, GIS plays a pivotal role in petroleum production, transportation, and resource management,'' Liban said.
“Throughout this training, officers will acquire the technical skills necessary for the execution of their respective duties and responsibilities."
He asked participants to embrace the opportunity as the beginning of a lifelong journey of learning, innovation, and discovery in the ever-evolving petroleum system.
The PS noted that the benefits of GIS and remote sensing are manifold and from stewardship of earth's resources to improved communication and environmental impact monitoring.
He added that the integration of GIS into his department’s technical directorate activities promises cost savings, enhanced efficiency, and better decision-making for improved service delivery.
“As we embark on this GIS training journey, I encourage each of you to actively engage and apply yourselves to maximise the benefits of this opportunity."
The PS also toured the Kenya Petroleum and Refineries Limited (KPRL) facilities in Changamwe. In October last year, KPRL was taken over by the Kenya Petroleum Company (KPC) through the transfer of shares.
The move by the state is anticipated to improve petroleum supply chain infrastructure resulting in security of supply and cost efficiency through reduced demurrage costs.
The government also plans to improve the penetration of Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) usage in the country through the development of LPG bulk import handling and storage facilities at the 370 acres of KPRL land.
The Kenya Kwanza administration wants KPC to leverage the assets of KPRL to accelerate the use of LPG as a transitional fuel to mitigate the challenges of climate change in the country.
