Kenya Pipeline Company (KPC) is taking decisive steps to curb environmental damage and reduce financial losses by constructing oil spill containment dams at its key pumping stations.
The move comes in the wake of past incidents that have forced the company to pay large compensation sums, including a recent Sh2.11 billion payout to communities along the Thange River Basin in Makueni County following a 2015 oil spill.
Last month, KPC invited bids from qualified firms to build the containment structures at its Kipevu, Manyani, Makindu, and Ngema stations. The exact cost of the project has not been made public.
Spill containment dams are vital barriers that prevent oil from spreading on land or water, keeping spills confined so they can be efficiently cleaned.
On rivers and lakes, these dams float on the surface, stopping oil from contaminating the water and surrounding ecosystem.
The dams are listed among the company’s top projects for the current financial year, which ends in June 2026.
In a document explaining its request for higher tariffs for fuel storage and transportation, KPC stated: “Key ongoing investments; construction of oil spill containment dams, construction of tanks and Inter-tank flowrate enhancement in Western Kenya depots.” The statement highlights the company’s focus on strengthening infrastructure to minimize environmental and financial risks.
KPC is currently waiting for approval from the energy regulator on new tariffs, which will provide the funds needed for the dam construction. The company gave interested firms until November 12 to submit bids, signaling its commitment to boosting spill preparedness.
Containment dams are standard safety measures in the oil and gas industry worldwide.
They protect rivers, lakes, farmland, and wildlife habitats from contamination, while also reducing the huge costs associated with cleaning up spills and compensating affected communities.
KPC transports billions of litres of fuel each year to serve both domestic and regional markets, including Uganda, Rwanda, South Sudan, and the Democratic Republic of Congo.
The Sh2.11 billion compensation to Thange River Basin residents remains a pressing financial obligation, with KPC given 120 days from July 11 to settle the claim.
By establishing the containment dams, the company aims to avoid similar costly incidents in the future and reinforce its readiness to respond to any oil spill emergency.
