Kenya has reaffirmed its growing voice in Africa’s upstream petroleum space, with Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA) Director General Daniel Kiptoo Bargoria urging African countries to adopt technology-driven approaches in oil and gas exploration and production.
Speaking at the ongoing Africa Oil Week Conference in Accra, Kiptoo said technology and innovation are central to ensuring Africa’s competitiveness in the global petroleum sector.
“We must harness the power of technology and innovation to enhance efficiency in the management of upstream petroleum resources,” said Kiptoo.
He emphasized that for Kenya and the continent at large, technology not only improves operational efficiency but also plays a pivotal role in expanding energy access and boosting demand for oil and gas products sustainably.
“Technology will play a central role in ramping up demand and ensuring that access to energy becomes equitable across the continent,” he added.
On a separate panel on East Africa’s upstream petroleum opportunities, EPRA’s Director of Petroleum and Gas, Eng. Edward Kinyua, highlighted ongoing regulatory reforms aimed at creating a more transparent and predictable investment environment.
“We recently exposed seven draft upstream and midstream petroleum regulations to public participation. Once gazetted, these regulations will guarantee environmental responsibility, strengthen investor confidence, and ensure a level playing field for all,” Kinyua noted.
He revealed that Gulf Energy is expected to submit a Field Development Plan (FDP) for the South Lokichar Basin, marking a key step forward for Kenya’s upstream petroleum journey. In addition, EPRA is working on establishing a petroleum data center to improve governance and accessibility of industry data for investors and policymakers.
Africa Oil Week remains a premier platform for energy leaders, policymakers, and investors, providing a unique space to engage on the continent’s evolving energy future.
