Energy Minister, Mr Kiraitu Murungi added his voice of hope, saying the country still stands a chance of striking oil, despite the pulling out of Woodside Petroleum Company from Lamu. Kiraitu said, without giving names, more companies were still interested in the venture in the country.
By the time it was withdrawing, Woodside had spent an average Sh2.5 billion on the project at the Coast.
The minister said oil exploration had not been a priority in the past as only 31 wells have been drilled.
"In Texas alone, more than 100 wells are sunk each year. In Kenya we have only drilled 31. Oil is a very risky business but we are receiving more applications," said Murungi.
The PS said if Kenya failed to strike oil but was lucky to discover gasses, his would be a big boost to the energy sector. On the proposed construction of a pipeline from Juba to Eldoret, Nyoike said that the Government was not involved at all.
"We will continue looking for the best deal for Kenyans. May be when we modernise our refinery we will be able to handle oil products from different sources," said Nyoike.
Kiraitu said so far 16 boarding schools in Mandera, Garissa, Wajir and Ijara districts have been installed with solar power at a cost of Sh56 million.
By the end of this financial year, the minister said, 60 boarding schools would be lit with solar electricity.
Source: The East African Standard
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