KPC New Pump Station Boosts Fuel Flow to Western Kenya

Kenya Pipeline Company (KPC) has unveiled a new pump station at Ngema, increasing fuel flow-rate along the 14-inch western Kenya pipeline to 510M3 per hour up from 330M3 per hour, representing a 69% upsurge. The USD 10.9 Million project 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 begun 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.

Speaking at the handover ceremony in Ngema, Nakuru County, Energy and Petroleum Cabinet Secretary Opiyo Wandayi was upbeat about the impact of the Line IV upgrade project.

“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. 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,” Mr Wandayi said.

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Commenting on the third phase of the project planned to begin in 2026, KPC Managing Director Mr Joe Sang said tehe company 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. 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.”

“The completion of this project marks a pivotal moment for KPC and the Oil and Gas subsector at large. 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,” added Mr. Sang.

Mr. Francis Njogu of Strata Industrial Limited, the local project contractors, said they worked closely with the KPC management, Ministry of Energy & Petroleum leadership and the local community who provided the labour needed for the project. “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.

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