Petroleum
Petroleum PS Mohammed Liban has urged investors to engage in various infrastructure initiatives including roads and ports in the country.
Speaking at his inspection tour of the Lake Gas Facility in Vipingo, Liban said that the government is actively encouraging more investors to participate in these projects, citing that their involvement is crucial in driving the development and sustainability of our nation’s infrastructure.
The PS said investors are integral stakeholders both locally and internationally and that their investments have the potential to be self-sustaining and generate returns over time. “In light of our current economic challenges, where 70 percent of our national revenue is allocated to debt servicing, 20 percent to civil servant salaries, only 10 percent is available for other government expenditures,” he said.
Given these constraints, Liban emphasized that partnering with the private sector is an ideal solution, adding that private investors can finance infrastructure projects without drawing from the exchequer, thus enabling these projects to eventually become self-financing.
Construction of the ultra-modern LPG firm Lake Gas in Vipingo in its final stages.
Photos by Andrew Hinga
Liban also assured that the government is committed to a progressive and comprehensive transition from fossil fuels to liquefied gas. He emphasized that the initiative prioritizes environmental safety, ensuring a secure and reliable supply of gas, and advancing sustainable energy practices.
Meanwhile, the Lake Gas Facility is almost done and is set to be functional in the next 2-3 weeks, which upon completion, will serve not only the entire nation, but also our East African neighbors, thus significantly impacting the region.
“By having this facility, we are looking at having our gas prices lower in each household and every public institution will be able to afford and that is our President’s vision and mission. As a ministry, we are heading there to achieve our goals,” Liban noted.
He added that the Kenya Petroleum Refinery Limited is now complete and ready for commissioning and will provide 1200 Metric tons of LPG. The government’s initiatives in the LPG sector are strategically guided by the Kenya National Cooking Transition Strategy (KNCTS) 2024-2028.
This comprehensive plan outlines the government’s commitment in transforming the nation’s energy landscape, with a view to ensuring a sustainable and efficient transition to cleaner cooking solutions.