The three-day event is being organised by the Ministry of Energy in conjunction with the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (Unactd) and National Oil Corporation of Kenya.

In a statement, Energy Minister, Mr Kiraitu Murungi said the conference will offer players in the oil and gas industry an opportunity to gather knowledge and network with key people from a highly dynamic business.

The conference will focus on the "interface between hydrocarbons and finance" and will provide platform for Kenya to demonstrate its opportunities to oil exploration companies.

Technical seminars will provide the opportunity for information exchange and networking, together with various social events and an extensive exhibition.

With over 600 delegates expected, Energy PS Mr Patrick Nyoike is urging stakeholders to capitalise and exploit every element of the conference. "As we seek to exploit the latest technology in exploration and exploitation of oil in an order to get better prices and register higher efficiency, the multiplier effect of the conference on the Kenyan economy will be substantial." said Nyoike.

Since its inception in 1996, the conference has brought together ministers and senior level executives from the oil and gas and finance sectors and has become the focal point for investors concerned with opportunities and developments within the African energy sector.

Key speakers expected include World Energy Council Secretary General, Mr Gerald Doucet, Nobel laureate Prof Wangari Maathai, and Dr S Panitchpakdi, the Unctad Secretary General, Mr Peter Grant, General Manager, Woodside Energy Ltd, UK and Mr Chris Matchettte Downes, Vice President Business Development, East Africa Exploration Company (UK).

Previous events have been held in Algeria, Mozambique, Morocco, Angola, Cameron, Ghana, Namibia, Ivory Coast and Zimbabwe.

PIN/ALLAFRICA.COM