Petroleum Outlets Association of Kenya (POAK) has hosted an inaugural conference for the sector themed, ‘A view from the bottom’ for the Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) in the petroleum industry.
The conference agenda focuses on resellers, retailers and transporters and is aimed at bringing together all the operators and stakeholders in the industry.
Speaking Thursday during the conference, Ministry of Trade, Investment and Industry Cabinet Secretary (CS) Moses Kuria said that the government is in the process of ensuring that Kenya does not import fuel from other countries for it will produce her own fuel.
“Importation of fuel is the single largest contributor of imports and the government through Energy and petroleum Cabinet Secretary Davis Chirchir is conducting talks with partner countries to enter in the era of cheaper fuel,” said Kuria.
He also stated that the government is in the process of engaging with all petroleum stakeholders ranging from the retailers, resellers and transporters across the country so as to be able to reduce the fuel prices.
In line with the petroleum partners, Kuria noted that the Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA) has a platform that educates the customers on the right way of handling petroleum products and services.
“I want to assure all of you that we will work together with POAK and all the partners and stakeholders to ensure that the main aim of the conference today of bringing together the entire value chain in the petroleum industry is achieved,” he said.
POAK Board of directors Chairman Martin Chomba stated that the energy sector is the backbone that drives the country’s economy.
“The conference is purposed for petroleum and energy players so that they can be able to exchange views and progressive ideas that capture and improve the efficiency of the petroleum industry,” said Chomba.
The chairman thanked the government through the ministry of Energy and their agencies like EPRA for recognizing and appreciating conversations of the petroleum industry on bringing together their entire value chain.
Kenya Private Sector Alliance (KEPSA) Director Eng. James Mwangi stated that they will provide the petroleum industry with opportunities for training, networking, financing linkages, mentorship, access to market value chains and access to investment opportunities both locally and internationally.
By Edna Okoth and Irene Mwende
