The Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA) of Kenya has called on African countries to embrace technology and innovation in upstream petroleum operations to remain competitive in the global oil and gas industry.

Speaking at the Africa Oil Week conference in Accra, the Director General of EPRA, Daniel Kiptoo Bargoria, said Africa must prioritise technology-driven solutions to unlock the full potential of its petroleum resources.

“We must harness the power of technology and innovation to enhance efficiency in the management of upstream petroleum resources,” Kiptoo said.

He explained that technology presents Africa with an opportunity to improve efficiency while addressing broader energy challenges.

According to him, Kenya sees technology not only as a tool for operational gains but also as a driver of sustainable energy access across the continent.

“For Africa and Kenya in particular, technology offers a strategic path towards improving operational efficiencies but also deepening energy access and stimulating demand for oil and gas products sustainably,” he said.

Kiptoo emphasised that innovation will help the continent expand its energy base and ensure equal access to energy.

“Technology will play a central role in ramping up demand and ensuring that access to energy becomes equitable across the continent,” he added.

In another session at the conference, EPRA Director of Petroleum and Gas, Eng. Edward Kinyua, highlighted Kenya’s ongoing efforts to strengthen the country’s petroleum sector.

He said EPRA is keen on creating a supportive regulatory environment to attract investments and ensure sustainable operations.

“We recently exposed seven draft upstream and midstream petroleum regulations to public participation. These Regulations, once gazetted, will ensure a transparent and predictable regulatory environment while ensuring environmental responsibility, and enhancing investor confidence,” Eng. Kinyua said.

Kinyua revealed that Gulf Energy is expected to submit a Field Development Plan for the South Lokichar Basin, which will be reviewed by EPRA.

He described this as an important step in advancing Kenya’s upstream petroleum projects.

He also disclosed that EPRA is setting up a petroleum data centre to strengthen data management in the industry.

“Kenya already has a strong governance structure for data management, which will enhance access to information for investors and policymakers,” he said.

Africa Oil Week has brought together energy leaders, policymakers and investors to discuss opportunities and challenges in Africa’s energy future.

The annual event is considered the continent’s leading platform for shaping the oil and gas agenda.