KPC awards tenders for Nairobi-Eldoret pipelines

By Jackson Okoth

Kenya Pipeline Company Ltd (KPC) has awarded tenders for construction of the Line 4 parallel pipelines from Nairobi to Eldoret.

The $263 million project is expected to begin in the next 18 months after the various contracts have been signed.

"Once completed, we shall be able to increase our pumping capacity and end the persistent shortage of petroleum products in western Kenya," said KPC MD George Okungu.

"This investment is expected to increase our pumping capacity between Nairobi and Eldoret, ending persistent shortage of fuel products in Western Kenya," he said yesterday while announcing names of firms who won the tender.

He added that increased pumping capacity to western Kenya will also relieve pressure on various road networks by oil tankers, especially along the Northern corridor. Tenders for the main works, involving construction of the 14 inch, 325km pipeline was won by China Petroleum Pipeline Bureau (CPP), who submitted a bid of $79,391,779.

Supply of four mainline pump sets, inclusive of two years operating spares was awarded to Flowserve Corporation Worthington SPA of Italy at 4,118,480 euros. Local firm Burhani Engineers will supply voltage transformers and 3.3 KV MV switchgear for $655,845.

Doshi and Co Ltd Kenya will provide transformers, isolators, switches, surge arrestors, circuit breakers with transformers and high and medium voltage protection units, at a cost of $420,758.

"This new pipeline will boost the company’s revenue streams, the corporation’s tax to the exchequer and the company’s net asset value," said Okungu