Uhuru eyes energy deals during visit to Qatar
President Uhuru Kenyatta shares a word with Deputy President William Ruto and Majority Leader in Parliament Aden Duale. Rebellion against the Jubilee government is brewing in the Rift Valley, Bomet governor Isaac Ruto warned on Monday. Photo\PSCU
What you need to know:
- The aim, officials says, is to achieve an ambitious medium-term strategy for the production of over 5000MW of electricity by 2016 to reduce the cost of power and improve the country’s competitiveness.
The government expects to attract investment in the energy sector during President Uhuru Kenyatta’s three-day State visit to Qatar.
The aim, officials says, is to achieve an ambitious medium-term strategy for the production of over 5000MW of electricity by 2016 to reduce the cost of power and improve the country’s competitiveness.
Private sector investments are key to achieving this goal, and possible cooperation in energy will be among the major issues to be discussed during the tour.
Mr Kenyatta will meet His Highness the Emir of Qatar, Sheikh Tamim Bin Hamad Al-Thani, and senior government officials to also talk about security matters.
Boost bilateral ties
He will seek to boost bilateral ties that date as far back as the 15th century, when Arab traders were regular visitors to the East African coast for business.
President Kenyatta’s tour is expected to further deepen a relationship that has prospered over the years. He left for Qatar Monday afternoon.
He will hold talks with Qatari Energy minister Mohamed Saleh Al Sada, who will be accompanied by QatarGas chief executive officer Sheikh Khalid Bin Khalifa Al-Thani, Qatar Electricity and Water Company general manager Fahad Hamad Al-Mohannadi and Qatar Petroleum International chief executive Nasser Al Jaidah.
“The meeting will focus on how the governments of Kenya and Qatar, in conjunction with the private sector, can cooperate in mutually beneficial energy projects. Qatar possesses demonstrated expertise in energy production,” a statement signed by State House spokesperson Manoah Esipisu said.
According to the statement, the visit should enhance previous agreements crucial in delivering his vision of a vibrant energy sector that will lead to a substantial drop in the cost of living.
