Norway and Kenya to cooperate in Oil for Development Programme

The Norwegian Government has approved an agreement with Kenya on cooperation within the Oil for Development programme with the aim of building capacity and resource management skills in the public sector in developing countries.

This could be a result of consultations that have been ongoing since last year when both Kenya and Norway announced that they are considering entering into a long term agreement Petroleum on effective and socially responsible management of petroleum resources.

The programme provides assistance in the areas of resource management, environmental management, revenue management, safety and preparedness as well as promotes transparency and measures to prevent corruption.

According to Norway’s Minister of Foreign Affairs Børge Brende the overall objective is to enable Kenyans benefit from oil and gas resources.

‘Kenya has requested assistance from Norway in developing its petroleum sector. Through the programme Oil for Development, Norway will support Kenya in improving management of its natural resources and protection of the environment. The objective is for the oil and gas resources to benefit the country and its people,” says Børge Brende.

Brende adds that Norway is increasing its interest in Kenya as the country continues to assert itself as an engine of economic growth in Africa.

He adds that sound and transparent management of its oil and gas resources will strengthen Kenya’s economy and create jobs, as well as bringing in revenues to the state.

“This agreement shows how development cooperation can mobilize capital for development,’ said Mr Brende.

The Oil for Development programme was established in 2005. Kenya will be the third partner country in East Africa.