The oil exports begin an era of greater prosperity for Kenyans. The oil was purchased by a British-based Chinese company, according to a Kenyan government announcement, AP reported.
The shipment is an accumulation of oil produced since Kenya began pumping in June 2018 at up to 2,000 barrels a day.
The oil was trucked from Kenya’s north to the coast in the Early Oil Pilot Scheme. A pipeline is being constructed to move the oil to Mombasa port.
Kenya expects to start commercial oil production in 2024 with production of up to 100,000 barrels a day.
Africa Oil and partner Tullow Oil first struck oil in the South Lokichar basin in northwest Kenya in 2012, where reserves are estimated at 600 million barrels.
