Kenya Pipeline Company (KPC) Managing Director Joe Sang, delivered a powerful keynote address on Wednesday this week at the 2nd Edition of the Sustainable Energy Conference in Naivasha. Speaking on the topic “ESG and Infrastructure: Unlocking Africa’s Green Energy Potential for Sustainable Development,” Mr. Sang highlighted KPC’s pivotal role in fostering Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) principles and driving Africa’s transition to cleaner, more inclusive energy systems.
The Sustainable Energy Conference, themed “Renewable Energy for Sustainable Development,” brought together government leaders, industry experts, private-sector innovators, and development partners from across the continent. The annual event serves as a critical platform for sharing best practices, showcasing new technologies, and forging partnerships aimed at advancing Africa’s renewable energy agenda and building resilient, low-carbon economies.
Mr. Sang commended the conference organizers for providing a collaborative space to address Africa’s energy challenges and opportunities. He noted that cross-sector engagement is essential for achieving lasting energy security while reducing environmental impact.
In his address, the Managing Director emphasized KPC’s unique position as a regional energy infrastructure leader. Established in 1973, the company operates a 1,342-kilometre pipeline network supported by eight storage depots, seven loading facilities, airport hydrant systems, and an oil jetty in Kisumu. This network not only serves Kenya but also supports neighbouring countries including Uganda, Rwanda, Burundi, Tanzania, South Sudan, and the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Mr. Sang underscored how KPC’s operations directly reduce carbon emissions and road congestion. “Our pipeline system displaces more than 1,300 trucks from Kenyan highways every day,” he said, “cutting carbon emissions by an estimated 120,000 tonnes of CO₂ equivalent annually. This is a practical demonstration of how infrastructure investment supports environmental stewardship while enabling efficient energy distribution.”
Highlighting KPC’s comprehensive ESG strategy, Mr. Sang showcased several flagship initiatives:
- Renewable Energy Investments: KPC’s 225 kWp solar plant at its head office has lowered energy costs by 60% and delivers consistent monthly savings of nearly Ksh 0.9 million.
- Emission-Reduction Technologies: The company has retrofitted storage tanks with dome roofs to minimize vapor emissions and replaced oil-filled switchgear with energy-efficient vacuum technology.
- Clean Energy Transport: The Kisumu Oil Jetty on Lake Victoria has transported over 600 million litres of petroleum products, replacing an estimated 18,000 truck journeys and reducing cross-border emissions.
Mr. Sang devoted significant attention to KPC’s community engagement programs, describing them as “the heart of our ESG commitments.”
Over the last four years, KPC has planted approximately 1.4 million tree seedlings across Kenya to combat deforestation and promote biodiversity. A standout initiative is the mangrove rehabilitation project at Jomvu Kuu Creek in Mombasa, where 700,000 seedlings now cover 70 hectares. This project demonstrates the power of partnerships, uniting community forest associations, government agencies, and private-sector collaborators to restore coastal ecosystems.
Other social investments include:
- Clean Cooking Initiatives: Promotion of Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) to reduce reliance on firewood and charcoal, thereby improving household health and reducing deforestation.
- Education Support: Scholarships for students with disabilities, construction of school infrastructure, and water and sanitation projects.
- Health Services: Establishment of health centres, hospital equipment donations, and organization of free medical camps.
- Economic Empowerment: Training and support programs for youth, women, and persons with disabilities to enhance livelihoods and entrepreneurship.
Mr. Sang concluded his keynote by reaffirming KPC’s long-term vision: to remain Africa’s premier oil and gas company while fostering sustainability and community development. He stressed that embedding ESG principles at the core of infrastructure projects is not only good for the environment and society but also essential for business resilience and competitiveness in a rapidly changing global energy market.
“The future of Africa’s energy sector will be shaped by how well we integrate ESG into every decision we make,” he said. “KPC is committed to leading by example, building infrastructure that delivers reliable energy, protects our environment, and uplifts the communities we serve.”
