Tullow oil has placed a 2017 time frame, in line with the government’s target, to commence oil production after describing the oil as that of a “high quality and of international marketable standard.”

“The government of Kenya is looking forward to have its first oil in 2017,” said Tullow’s CEO, Paul McDade.

Having discovered eight commercially viable wells in Kenya since 2012, the British company can sell part of its stake in Kenya oil blocks to potential buyers from Europe and eastern part of the world.

To meet its 2017 target, the company has to construct a 1,330km underground heated pipeline between Holma in Uganda and Lamu through Lokichar in Kenya. This will ease transportation of Kenyan and Ugandan oil through a single pipeline.

“The quality of oil Uganda and Kenya has are compatible and can pass through the same pipeline” said Tullow vice president, for south and east Africa, Gary Thomson.

President Uhuru Kenyatta has set this plan rolling by inviting locals to buy a stake in the pipeline in other to get the full value of the infrastructure.

“We have started working with 50km corridor which will narrow to 2km and later 200m” Mr Thomson disclosed.