Mombasa, KENYA: The government is set to commission line five of Mombasa-Nairobi pipeline in December 2017.
Speaking to journalist in Mombasa on Wednesday, Kenya Pipeline Commission Managing Director Joe Sang said 95% of the project is complete.
The sh. 48 billion project, which is also the country’s second largest infrastructural project, will supply 100 million litres of oil per hour from Mombasa to Nairobi.
“The pipeline will also enhance safety and protect the environment since transportation of oil via pipeline is the safest,fastest and most environmentally friendly,” said Sang.
The project will see installation of 4 new pump stations in Changamwe, Maungu, Mtito Andei, Sultan Hamud and 2 booster pumps in Kipevu.
Mr.Sang also said that oil in Turkana will help the country to export oil to other countries including Rwanda,Burudi,South Sudan and parts of Tanzania.
Kenya has lost it is market after neighbouring countries chose to trade with Tanzania.
Before, Kenya was supplying 70% oil to Rwanda, which has now reduced to 10%.
Kenya also expects to get back the Uganda market once the Turkana oil project is completed.
The project intends to reduce cost of oil in the country,Mr Sang said that Kenya pipeline is discussing with the Energy Regulatory Commission to ensure the cost of transportation is scrapped off from the oil pricing.
The Nairobi storage is which capable of holding 100 million litres of oil has also been added more capacity to ensure enough storage of oil in Nairobi.
Sang has said an extra storage of 133 million litres is being constructed and will be complete by December.
KPC is in the process of replacing the existing Mombasa-Nairobi pipeline that has been in operation for 39 years.
The construction of the 20 inch diameter 40km pipeline, which is a Vision 2030 flagship project, commenced in the year 2014.
