The Government of Kenya has signed a long-term contract with the Norwegian Government for the development of the local oil sector, the Star News reports

Under the contract, Norway is to assist the country in improving the management of its natural resources and also protect the environment through the Oil for Development programme.

“The objective is for the oil and gas resources to benefit the country and its people”, Norway’s Foreign Affairs Minister, Borge Brende said.

According to Brende, the contract was sanctioned on December 17, 2015 and it will serve as a basis for building capacity and resource management skills in the public sector, as well as support measures to avert corruption in the oil and gas industry in Kenya.

“Kenya is an engine of economic growth in Africa, and is becoming increasingly important for Norwegian interests. Sound and transparent management of its oil and gas resources will strengthen Kenya’s economy and create jobs, as well as bring revenues to the state. This agreement shows how development co-operation can mobilize capital for development”, he said.

The Oil for Development programme which began in 2005 and has been in operation in other countries including Tanzania and Uganda, is to provide training in the area of resource management, environmental management, revenue management, safety and preparedness in addition to the promotion of transparency and measures in preventing corruption.