Kenya and Uganda have initiated talks to extend a petroleum products pipeline from Eldoret to Kampala, aiming to reshape the region’s fuel import dynamics.
According to Kenya Broadcasting Corporation (KBC), Ugandan Energy Minister Ruth Ssentamu visited Kenya last week for meetings with Kenyan energy officials, including Principal Secretary Mohammed Liban, and toured the Kenya Pipeline Company (KPC) headquarters.
KPC Managing Director Joe Sang highlighted that the extension would enhance Kenya’s role in the petroleum export market, especially as Uganda moves toward independent fuel imports. He confirmed KPC’s commitment to collaborating with Uganda on the Eldoret-Malaba segment of the pipeline.
The project entails Kenya constructing a multi-product pipeline from Eldoret to the Malaba border, with Uganda building a connecting line to Kampala. There are also discussions about a possible extension to Kigali, Rwanda.
Ssentamu indicated that the visit focused on planning the project and gaining insights into KPC’s operations.
Uganda ceased its dependence on Kenya for fuel supplies in early July following an agreement with Vitol Bahrain. The country seeks to lower fuel costs while continuing to utilize Kenya’s Port of Mombasa and KPC infrastructure for transporting products to western Kenya depots.
The pipeline proposal, originally introduced in 1995, was revived in May after a feasibility study funded by the European Investment Bank.
President William Ruto announced in May that Kenya and Uganda would establish a joint committee to oversee the project and mobilize resources, with progress reports anticipated by year-end.
Source: Energy News Africa
