Kenya signed a pipeline deal with Ethiopia months after Uganda chose to export its oil through Tanzania. The pipeline will run from the Kenyan Coast, from its Lamu town to Ethiopia’s capital Addis Ababa. Ethiopia is looking to begin gas production and exportation next year following discoveries reports local media.
Kenyan President Uhuru Kenyatta made the pact with Ethiopian Prime Minister Hailemariam Desalegn in Nairobi on Thursday as part of joint infrastructure projects to integrate the region.
“The two leaders witnessed the signing of bilateral agreements including a pact on the oil pipeline that will run from Lamu to Addis Ababa under the Lapsset project,” a statement from State House said.
According to the Kenyan Ministry of Energy and Petroleum, Kenya will begin construction of the pipeline in December this year with the completion date set for 2021.
“Ministers will be meeting quarterly while the technical team will meet every month to ensure progress,” said President Uhuru
“From here, implementation, implementation, implementation are the top three things that we will focus on.” Said Ethiopia’s PM Desalegn
Kenya and Ethiopia entered into five pacts, including cooperation in sports, cross-border livestock, health and education.
Kenya was in negotiations with Uganda for the pipeline but Uganda opted for Tanzanian route through Tanzania’s Tanga port.
