Kenyan Delegation Visits Uganda to Benchmark on Establishment of a Petroleum Regulatory Authority
February, 25th 2020
A delegation from the Ministry of Petroleum and Mines in Kenya on Friday completed a two-day benchmarking and familiarization visit to the Petroleum Authority of Uganda (PAU), the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Development (MEMD) and the Uganda National Oil Company (UNOC).
Kenya is in the process of setting up a Petroleum Regulatory Authority of its own.
The five-man Kenyan team led by James Ng’ang’a, the Ag. Secretary Petroleum, held discussions with officials from the three Ugandan agencies at the Ministry and the PAU’s offices.
“Uganda’s collaboration with our Kenya counterparts in the oil and gas sector dates to the 1990s when both countries were acquiring data to promote the sector in the region. It is important to keep up the momentum to collaborate and learn from each other’s achievements” said Robert Kasande, Permanent Secretary, MEMD said.
On his part, James Ng’ang’a revealed that that the objective of the Kenyan Government was to set up a regulatory institution with structures, business processes, operating procedures and relevant job profiles.
“It is in this regard and recognition of the efforts of the Government of Uganda towards the successful establishment and operationalisation of the Petroleum Authority of Uganda that we are here to learn from you how we can as well set up a similar institution,” said Ng’ang’a.
Speaking to the delegates, Ernest Rubondo, the Executive Director PAU emphasized the need for the Government of Kenya to clearly define the roles and objectives of the regulatory institution.
“Different countries have different models of institutional set up for the oil and gas sector; therefore, the objective must be clear from the start. This will guide the selection of the personnel to run the Authority, which must be aligned to your objectives, thorough and based on expertise, experience and merit,” said Rubondo.
The Kenyan delegation had an opportunity to further engage with the technical teams from the institutions and have a deeper understanding of the role each entity plays, and the lessons learnt during the transition.
Source: smart24tv.co.ug