Energy and Petroleum CS Hon J. Opiyo Wandayi has lauded Kenya Pipeline’s efforts in promoting regional integration through infrastructure development. He gave the example of the Kisumu Oil Jetty which he said had contributed immensely to the vision of joined borders for thriving communities and society. He said the introduction of a third barge to transport refined petroleum products from the Kisumu Oil Jetty (KOJ) to Mahathi Infra Uganda Limited would catalyse development in the area.
Mr Wandayi said the move would save the countries road maintenance costs, the environment, costly petroleum tanker traffic accidents and create efficiencies that would then be passed on to the end-user.
“One barge transports 4.5 million litres of product equivalent to approximately 150 trucks off the roads. This is beneficial to the county’s investment plan.”
The CS was speaking during his maiden visit to Mahathi Infra Uganda Ltd in Entebbe, Uganda. The MD, Mr Joe Sang, applauded the good partnership with Mahathi that had seen the Oil Majors come on board to use the Kisumu Oil Jetty and thereby ensuring a handsome Return On Investment. So far, some 470 million litres of product have been transported across the lake from the jetty since it was commissioned in 2023.
Mr Sang acceded to requests by the Mahathi Infra team to enhance capacity in the Western Region especially in Kisumu to ramp up the volumes to meet rising demand from Uganda and the region including Rwanda and DR Congo.
Later, the CS met with Uganda’s Minister of Energy and Mineral Development, Mrs Ruth Nankabirwa at Petroleum House in Entebbe.
Mrs Nankabirwa spoke about the proposed Eldoret- Kampala- Kigali pipeline and urged for action to quicken things and expressed concern that it was taking long to actualise it.
“Let us get things going… let’s draft and MOU and an implementation agreement to reduce bureaucracy since our two presidents (principals) have already understood and agreed,” she said.
Hon Wandayi lauded the bilateral relationship between Kenya and Uganda and promised to broaden and strengthen the relationship. He said the energy sector was crucial to these economies as development could only be realised through trade and commerce. He also appreciated that there may arise challenges, but he was impressed that there is always an urge to resolve issues amicably.
Mr Sang appreciated the good relationship between KPC and UNOC that he said had grown stronger and more solid. He also thanked the Minister for finding time to meet with the Kenya delegation.
Mrs Proscovia Nabbanja the CEO of UNOC thanked KPC for ensuring the smooth supply of petroleum products and said UNOC looked forward to better, cordial relationship going forward. The MD was accompanied by members of the KPC Mr Abraham Koech, Ms Martha Miano and Mr Chris Karani; GMs; Mr Pius Mwendwa and Ms Zilper Abong’o, Managers Ms Grace Njoroge and Mr Joel Mburu, Ms Jane Tuitoek, Ms Fridah Kirui, Mr George Kirui; Terminal Managers Mr Charles Sambu and Mr Francis Kiptoo among others. The minister was accompanied by Kenya’s High Commissioner to Uganda Hon Joash Maangi. Also present was senior managers from KRA leading in the KPC/KRA systems integration.
The Mahathi team was led by the Chairman Dr Steve Mahinda and the MD Mr Dinesh Donadi. They appreciated the impact of the jetty on their business operations and expressed confidence that KPC would deliver on its commitments to enhance storage capacity and scale up efficiencies within the next 24 months as stated by the MD. The MD will host a breakfast meeting for all Uganda OMCs tomorrow morning followed by a meeting at the Uganda Revenue Authority.
