Kenya Pipeline Company (KPC) has finalized upgrading the Nairobi-Eldoret pipeline to increase petroleum product transportation and meet growing demand in Western Kenya.
KPC Infrastructure General Manager David Muriuki said the second phase of the Line-IV project will boost the flow rate of the 14-inch western Kenya pipeline to 515 cubic meters per hour, up from 330 cubic meters per hour.
Initiated in 2022, the project included building a pump station in Ngema with two mainline pumps operating in 1+1 mode, one in use and the other on standby.
Further, he said that the upgrade will improve fuel availability in the Nakuru, Kisumu, and Eldoret depots, essential hubs for Kenya’s exports to Rwanda, Burundi, northern Tanzania, South Sudan, Uganda, and the DRC.
“With the increased flow rate, KPC is well-positioned to meet western Kenya’s demand for petroleum products,” Muriuki stated.
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On his part, Project commissioning engineer James Kimaiyo said that a third phase will optimize the pipeline, potentially increasing flow to 757 cubic meters per hour.
Plans are also underway to reconfigure Nairobi Terminal (PS21) to operate with two pumps and one on standby.
“Completing this project marks a pivotal moment for KPC and Kenya’s oil and gas sector. It is also the first time a local contractor has managed the full scope of building a pumping station,” added Andrew Birir, Principal Assistant to the Project Engineer.
