Kenya is on the path to privatising state-owned enterprises, including the Kenya Pipeline Company (KPC), but MPs are making it clear: privatisation cannot come at the expense of the public.
Lawmakers have stated that KPC will not be allowed to import or sell petroleum products once privatised unless all government-mandated conditions are fully met. The move reflects growing concern over fuel supply security, pricing, and accountability.
Why MPs Are Concerned
The pipeline is a critical national asset, responsible for transporting petroleum products across the country. Any mismanagement could result in fuel shortages, price hikes, or disruptions that affect millions of Kenyans.
“We cannot allow a private company to control this vital resource without clear rules,”
said an MP overseeing the energy sector.
“Kenya’s energy security and consumer protection must come first.”
MPs also emphasised that the Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA) will retain oversight, ensuring that any privatised entity adheres to laws, pricing regulations, and safety standards.
Impact on Consumers and Businesses
For ordinary Kenyans, this is more than policy — it affects daily life and the economy. Petrol and diesel prices influence transport costs, food prices, and even the cost of goods and services.
The parliamentarians insist that any private operator must:
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Maintain steady fuel supply nationwide
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Ensure affordable pricing for consumers
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Protect strategic petroleum reserves
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Safeguard jobs of KPC employees during the transition
The Road Ahead
The parliamentary energy committee will meet with the Energy Cabinet Secretary and KPC management to outline all necessary legal and operational conditions before privatisation.
MPs have warned that no deal will be approved if public interest is compromised, sending a strong message that Kenya’s petroleum sector will remain under careful scrutiny — even under private management.
