NAIROBI, Kenya, Feb 21 – Kenya Pipeline Company (KPC) has unveiled a new pump station at Ngema, increasing the product flowrate along the 14-inch western Kenya pipeline to 510M³ per hour, up from 330M³ per hour-representing a 69 percent increase.
The $10.9 million (Sh1.4 billion) project features two mainline pumps operating on a 1+1 mode (one pump active, one on standby).
The pump station was constructed as part of the second phase of the Line IV (Nairobi-Eldoret pipeline) Capacity Enhancement Project, initiated in 2022 to enhance product availability in Western Kenya.
Phase I of the project included two pumping stations at PS21 (Nairobi Terminal) and PS24 (Nakuru), each equipped with two pumps operating in a 1+1 mode.
Energy and Petroleum Cabinet Secretary Opiyo Wandayi, speaking at the handover ceremony in Ngema, Nakuru County, highlighted the project’s significance.
“We thank the KPC Board, Management, and project contractor Strata Industrial Ltd for completing this project on time. This will significantly enhance energy security for the East African Community, driving economic growth and stability. With the accelerated flowrate of 510M³ per hour, KPC will meet the western Kenya product demand, particularly in Eldoret, Nakuru, and Kisumu depots, which are critical to our fuel export market,” he said.
KPC Managing Director Joe Sang emphasized that the company is committed to further enhancing petroleum transport efficiency.
“We will gradually increase the current flow rate of 515M³ per hour based on demand, reaching an optimal rate of 757M³ per hour once the third phase is complete. Plans are also underway to reconfigure the Nairobi Terminal (PS21) to a 2+1 mode (two pumps running, one on standby), ensuring maximum pipeline utilization,” he said.
This project aligns with KPC’s long-term strategy to modernize and expand petroleum transportation infrastructure, reinforcing Kenya’s role as a regional petroleum hub.
