The Kenya Pipeline Company (KPC) has embarked on a nationwide operation to evict illegal squatters from its pipeline wayleave land.
The multi-agency exercise which targets 14 counties along the 1,342-kilometre route commenced Tuesday in Embakasi at the former Taj Mall site.
KPC Wayleave Manager Stanley Manduku said the operation is aimed at safeguarding communities living along the pipeline from potential hazards resulting from human activity close to and atop the oil pipeline.
Manduku said the Embakasi exercise follows public sensitisation forums held with the community in October 2024.
This also includes two eviction notices and reminders issued after the meetings.
"As per the notices, the deadline for voluntary vacation was February 14, 2025.
He further pointed out that prior to the evictions, KPC extensively engaged with the affected communities through public barazas and issuance of notices to sensitize them on the impending evictions.
KPC, he added, fully briefed national and county government officials on the intended eviction to ensure smooth execution of the exercise without escalation of tensions or violence with the Nairobi Deputy County Commissioner leading the clearance exercise.
According to Manduku, national government officials have been part of the planning alongside Kenya Urban Roads Authority (KURA) and Kenya Railways Corporation (KRC).
Emphasising the importance of securing the pipeline wayleave, Manduku stated that this also helps to safeguard residents from possible dangers associated with the volatile petroleum products transported through the pipeline.
"While regrettable, evicting the illegal settlers is necessary to avert potential catastrophes like oil spills or fires that could occur if the pipeline is compromised," he asserted.
"KPC has followed all legal procedures and the evictions are underpinned by a court ruling. We have also sought alternative dispute resolution mechanisms before resorting to evictions as a last recourse."
To mitigate the impact, the official disclosed that the Company is going to offer modest facilitation fees to the affected households.
At the same time, he assured of the Company's commitment to carrying out these evictions humanely and peacefully, with utmost respect for human dignity.
"Our close collaboration with local leaders and security agencies will ensure the process is conducted professionally," Manduku remarked.
The eviction exercise is expected to affect hundreds of households across the country that have encroached on pipeline land for the past 25 years.
The exercise comes in the wake of increased advocacy for securing pipeline wayleaves following oil spill incidents in the past, some resulting in fatal fires after leaking petroleum products came into contact with ignition sources in densely populated areas.
In a bid to avert re-encroachment, Manduku said there are plans to erect perimeter fences and enhance surveillance along the wayleaves to deter future encroachment.
