Energy & Petroleum Cabinet Secretary (left) and KPC MD Mr. Joe Sang (right) unveil the new Ngema (PS22) pump station/HANDOUT
Kenya is courting Rwanda, Burundi, Uganda and South Sudan to construct a redefined petroleum Products Pipeline from Eldoret-Kampala-Kigali, easing and facilitating the transportation of refined petroleum products in the region.
Speaking while unveiling a new pump station at Ngema, Nakuru County, Energy CS Opiyo Wandayi said talks are at an advanced stage in ensuring that the Port of Mombasa remains the main and most affordable gate of fuel in the region.
"We are happy that Uganda is fully using the corridor and Rwanda is at 70 per cent. The pipeline extension from Eldoret will see more countries in the region roped in," he said.
"Once the project is complete, it will foster sustainable development, economic integration and prosperity for the region, as well as set a strong foundation for future generations."
The new power station by the Kenya Pipeline Corporation (KPC) is expected to increase the product flowrate along the 14-inch western Kenya pipeline to 510M3 per hour up from 330M3 per hour, representing a 69 per cent upsurge.
The $10.9 million project (Sh1.3 billion) comprises two mainline pumps installed to operate on 1+1 mode (one pump operating and another on standby).
The pump station was constructed as part of the second phase of the Line IV (Nairobi-Eldoret pipeline) Capacity Enhancement Project that began in 2022, with a view to enhancing product availability in Western Kenya. Phase I of the project encompassed two pumping stations installed at PS21 (Nairobi Terminal) and PS24 (Nakuru).
Each station has two pumps installed on (1+1) mode of operation.
“We thank the KPC board and management and the project contractor Strata Industrial Ltd for conceiving and completing this project on time. The project will go a long way in ensuring energy security for the entire East African Community, which is vital for our collective economic growth and stability."
He said that with the accelerated flowrate of 510M3 per hour, KPC will certainly meet the western Kenya product demand particularly in the Eldoret, Nakuru and Kisumu depots which are the pillars of our fuel export market.
KPC managing director Joe Sang said that his firm will gradually increase the current flow rate of 515m3/hr based on product demand to an optimal rate of 757m3/hr once the third phase of the upgrade project is complete.
He revealed that plans are also underway to re-configure the Nairobi Terminal (PS21) to a 2+1 mode (two pumps running and one on standby). "This will ensure maximum utilization of the pipeline.”
"This being the first time a local contractor has been entrusted with the full scope of constructing a pumping station, the successful completion of the project demonstrates the growing capability of local expertise and signals a new era for infrastructure development in the region."
Francis Njogu of Strata Industrial Limited, the local project contractors, appreciated KPC for providing them with a conducive working environment that enabled them to deliver the project successfully.
"This is testament that big projects can be done by indigenous companies on budget and on time" he said.
This project is part of KPC’ s long-term strategy to modernise and expand petroleum transportation infrastructure, supporting Kenya’s role as a regional petroleum hub.
