Kenyan President Uhuru Kenyatta has urged investors in Qatar’s energy sector to partner with his government in accelerating the country’s energy targets by channeling their expertise into the exploration of oil and gas.

“I encourage Qatari entities in the energy sector to participate in the Kenyan energy sector where substantial returns and mutual benefits can be expected,” President Kenyatta said during a meeting with Mohamed Saleh Al Sada, Qatari Energy and Industry Minister in Doha.

Like most African countries, Kenya has a power supply challenge and its decision to prioritize the development of its power sector by devising a strategy that will see it generate 5000 megawatts of power by 2016 through green energy and other sources will attract more foreign investments and generate increased business opportunities thus driving economic growth.

“Kenya is the door to the East African region. Cooperation with Qatar in the energy sector will not only benefit Kenya but also our neighbours in the region by opening the region to diverse investments,” Kenyatta stated. The need for private sector investment and participation is therefore crucial for the government to meet its goal of addressing the energy deficit prevalent in the country.

“Six independent power producers have already been licensed to address the shortfall in our energy production, and to enhance our production – as we must if we are to meet the demands of the future,” Kenyatta added.

Al Sada said Qatar is eager to work with Kenya not just in the energy sector, but other sectors as Kenyatta’s government provides a stable economy and a conducive business environment.

In line with this, Qatar Gas has signed a non-disclosure agreement with Kenya Pipeline to supply 1,000,000 metric tonnes of liquefied natural gas (LNG) to power Kenya’s 700-megawatt gas plant located in Mombasa.