The Cabinet Secretary for Energy and Petroleum, Opiyo Wandayi, has appointed a committee known as the First Oil Technical, Commercial and Legal Working Committee.
- •The committee is meant to fast-track the commercial development of oil discoveries in Block T6 and Block T7, leading to Full Field Development and the creation of a crude oil export route.
- •The mandate of the Committee is to negotiate the First Oil technical and commercial agreements between the Government and contractors in order to safeguard Kenya’s interests, and to conduct research and consultations, including with Government-appointed advisors, before finalizing such agreements.
- •The Committee will also advise the Government on and draft enabling policy, statutory, regulatory, or institutional frameworks for oil and gas development, review and oversee the implementation of agreements with contractors, and approve a roadmap for the First Oil development phases.
It is further expected to recommend a land access framework that ensures secure, long-term access to land for oil development, submit quarterly progress reports to the Cabinet Secretary and Principal Secretary, and perform any other functions related to Full Field and First Oil development as may be directed.
In carrying out its mandate, the Committee may negotiate on behalf of the Cabinet Secretary and the Principal Secretary, review and draft documents, and prepare quarterly and annual reports as directed. It may also engage external experts to advise on commercial or technical issues, make recommendations to advance commercial and technical activities, and request information or documents relevant to the project through the Principal Secretary.
The Committee will establish a secretariat drawn from its membership to prepare reports and document proceedings. It will execute its mandate in consultation with the Principal Secretary and will remain accountable to the Cabinet Secretary.
The members of the Committee are: Joseph Otieno (Chairperson), Joseph Wafula, Abigail Mwangi, Edward Kinyua (Eng.), Josky Kisali, Vincent Areri, Charles Kamunya, Lemiso Koiyo, Sharon Rotich, Robert Kibiwott, Duncan Ndegwa, Charity Cheruiyot, David Kariuki, Leah Hadidah Jara, Loise Thugge, Leonard Yegon, Stella Opakas, Clement Nadio, Joel Sutter, Luqman Jamaldin, Michael Karanja, Stephanie Anyanga, Sheila Tonui, Ashely Toywa, Stephen Ikiki, Kennedy Ondieki, Charles Ouko, Stella Kamasir, Andrew Wanyonyi Khaemba, Simon Korir (Eng.), Winfred Mueni Masaku, Zachary Ndege, Jacob Kipaa, Michael Kirui, and Duncan Hunda (Dr.).