Senators disagree over site of oil processing plant

By Ally Jamah

Kenya: Senators clashed over the proposed location of an oil refinery planned by the Government, with some terming the choice of Isiolo by former President Mwai Kibaki’s Cabinet as a mistake.

The refinery is expected to clean up the oil from Turkana County when commercial production begins as well as crude oil from South Sudan that would be exported through the Lamu port currently under construction.

Ironically, Bungoma Senator Moses Wetang’ula, who was part of Kibaki’s government that made the decision of Isiolo said the multi-billion shilling refinery should be located in Lamu, Mombasa or any other county bordering the sea.

Decision ill-informed

Wetang’ula argued that refineries should be located near the sea to ensure that crude oil is refined quickly before being exported. He added that in case the oilfields in Turkana and South Sudan diminish or the pipeline malfunctions, crude oil can easily be imported and refined efficiently.

“The practice around the world has been to have oil refineries near the sea because that makes more economic sense. The decision to have it in Isiolo was ill-informed,” he said. 

West Pokot Senator John Lonyangapuo wondered how Wetang’ula could be fighting the decision of the previous Cabinet of President Kibaki when he was part of that cabinet.

“You cannot purport to oppose what you were part of. You had plenty of time and opportunity to raise those issues then but apparently you didn’t,” he said.

But Wetang’ula said he had changed his mind on the matter insisting that it is “only fools who don’t change their minds.”  Wetang’ula’s stand provoked a strong reaction from Isiolo Senator Mohammed Kuti who said that Isiolo was chosen for sound reasons since it is centrally and strategically located to be a supply point of refined oil products to the rest of the country as well as Ethiopia.

“Isiolo is much closer to the oil fields in Turkana and South Sudan. A refinery there would efficiently supply refined products in all directions at minimal cost,” he said.

Kakamega Senator Bonny Khalwale said the decision of Isiolo should be reviewed since there was no sufficient consultation on the matter.

Homa Bay Senator Otieno Kajwang said Lamu or Mombasa would be a more ideal location for the plant since it can be used to refine crude oil for other international customers.