Dangote acquires 25% stake in Kenya Pipeline Company for $327 million

Aliko Dangote, Africa's wealthiest individual, has recently acquired a 25% share in Kenya Pipeline Company (KPC) for a sum of approximately $327 million. The Nigerian industrialist, the founder and CEO of Dangote Industries Limited, made the announcement during a London event on October 21, 2026, as reported by Bloomberg. This acquisition is part of Dangote's ongoing expansion of investments in East Africa's petroleum distribution network.

Dangote is currently in the process of developing a $16 billion oil refinery in Kenya's Lamu archipelago, replicating the design of his 700,000-barrel-per-day refinery in Lagos. The specific company that acquired the stake within Dangote Industries was not disclosed. KPC plays a pivotal role in Kenya's petroleum transportation and distribution system, linking the coastal port of Mombasa to fuel markets inland.

Prior to the acquisition, KPC was entirely owned by the Kenyan government. In early 2026, the company shed 65% of its shares via an initial public offering (IPO), making it accessible to private investors. According to the Nairobi Securities Exchange's report on Monday, a significant block transaction involving roughly 4.5 billion shares was executed, with a total value of 42.5 billion Kenyan shillings ($327.4 million). As of now, KPC's market valuation stands at around 163.9 billion Kenyan shillings.

Established in 1973, KPC began its operations in February 1978. It has since emerged as one of Kenya's key energy infrastructure operators, managing an extensive network for petroleum transportation that connects Kenya's coastal import facilities with major consumption centers throughout the country and neighboring East African markets.

Dangote's stake in KPC enhances his business interests in the infrastructure that supports Kenya's petroleum supply chain, complementing his planned investment in the country's refining sector.

Interestingly, the Kenyan government is also contemplating a similar equity stake in Dangote's proposed $16 billion-to-$17 billion oil refinery in Lamu. This development aligns with Dangote's initiatives to entice East African investors into his existing Nigerian refinery business. The Lamu refinery, which commenced construction on September 30, 2026, is slated to be operational by 2030.