Kenya’s pipeline privatisation plans have hit a warning from MPs: the Kenya Pipeline Company (KPC) will not be allowed to import or sell fuel unless strict conditions are met.
Lawmakers insist that the country’s energy security and consumer protection come first, sending a clear message to private investors: no shortcuts, no compromises.
Why This Matters to Kenyans
For everyday citizens, the stakes are real: fuel affects transport costs, food prices, and overall cost of living. Any misstep in privatisation could lead to shortages or skyrocketing prices, hitting the most vulnerable hardest.
“Privatisation is not a licence to exploit Kenyans,”
said one MP.
“We will ensure compliance, fairness, and uninterrupted supply.”
The parliamentary energy committee has made it clear that EPRA will continue overseeing KPC, even under private management, ensuring pricing, safety, and supply obligations are met.
Public Interest at the Core
Key conditions MPs are demanding include:
-
Continuous nationwide fuel supply
-
Affordable pricing for consumers
-
Protection of strategic petroleum reserves
-
Job security for KPC employees
Failure to comply with these rules could block the privatisation deal, ensuring the nation’s interests are safeguarded.
Next Steps
The government, MPs, and KPC management will meet to finalise legal and operational conditions before any privatisation deal.
For now, the message is loud and clear: Kenya Pipeline’s privatisation will not come at the cost of consumers or national energy security.
