Kenya Pipeline seeks faster fuel cargo clearance in Uganda

Kenya Pipeline Company (KPC) is actively working to accelerate the transportation of petroleum cargo in Uganda by collaborating closely with the Uganda National Oil Company (UNOC) and other industry stakeholders. This cooperative effort was recently highlighted during a customer engagement forum held in Kampala on November 5, 2026, where KPC discussed challenges and potential solutions for enhancing cross-border petroleum transportation.

The discussions centered on minimizing cargo turnaround times, optimizing terminal operations, and tackling obstacles that impede the smooth flow of petroleum products between Kenya and Uganda. KPC's Acting Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Pius Mwendwa, emphasized the company's dedication to enhancing customer experience through adaptable terminal operations, prompt product evacuation, and intensified interaction with industry partners.

This forum followed a previous meeting between Mwendwa and UNOC representatives, during which they discussed integrating a system called VTTI into KPC's operations, plans to increase storage capacity in Kampala and Jinja, and advancements on the Eldoret–Kampala–Kigali (EKK) Pipeline Project. They also explored strategies to boost operational efficiency and decrease the time required for petroleum cargo evacuation.

Mwendwa stated, "With our collaboration, we aim to ensure prompt cargo evacuation." These discussions coincide with KPC's efforts to expand its pipeline network to Kigali, Rwanda, with the goal of boosting petroleum transportation and storage capacities in landlocked regions. These regional dialogues follow KPC's investor roadshow in Kigali on November 1, 2026, where the company presented its expansion plans and financial results for the 2025/26 fiscal year.

During the roadshow, KPC disclosed a 13% rise in profit after tax to KSh11.58 billion and a 9% increase in group revenue to KSh43 billion. The company's financial performance follows the partial privatization of KPC through an initial public offering in early 2026, where the government retained a 35% stake, UNOC acquired about 20.15%, and Nigerian industrialist Aliko Dangote became the second-largest shareholder with a 24.76% stake.

KPC's engagements with Ugandan industry players aim to enhance petroleum supply across the region. By expediting cargo evacuation, KPC anticipates reducing demurrage costs, which occur when cargo stays at terminals or transport facilities beyond the agreed-upon time, and improving fuel availability in Uganda and neighboring markets.