A new era of regional energy cooperation is dawning as Kenya and Uganda forge ahead with plans to extend the crucial petroleum products pipeline from Eldoret to Kampala.

This ambitious infrastructure project promises to reshape the fuel import landscape in East Africa, with far-reaching implications for trade, economy, and energy security.

The partnership between the two nations was solidified during a recent visit by Uganda’s Energy Minister, Ruth Ssentamu, to Kenya.

During her stay, she engaged in high-level talks with Kenyan energy officials and conducted a comprehensive tour of the Kenya Pipeline Company (KPC) headquarters.

"I am in Kenya to start the planning & preparation for the proposed Eldoret-Kampala-Kigali pipeline. Presidents H.E William Ruto and H.E President Kaguta Museveni agreed to extend the pipeline from Eldoret to Kampala to ensure supply & security of petroleum products in Uganda," Ssentamu said.

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The aim of the visit was to lay the groundwork for the pipeline extension and gain a deep understanding of KPC’s operations and capabilities.

KPC Managing Director, Joe Sang, emphasized the strategic importance of the project, stating that it will bolster Kenya’s position as a regional petroleum export hub.

"Extension of the pipeline to Uganda is a strategic move for Kenya as the country seeks to regain its competitive advantage in the petroleum export market, particularly in light of Uganda’s new importation strategy," Sang stated.

With Uganda adopting a new fuel importation strategy, the pipeline extension is seen as a pivotal move to regain a competitive edge in the market.

Sang reaffirmed KPC’s commitment to working closely with the Ugandan government to make the Eldoret-Malaba pipeline a reality.

KPC is open and willing to collaborate with the Ugandan government to lay the Eldoret – Malaba pipeline," Sang added.

The project entails the construction of a multi-product oil pipeline from Eldoret to the Kenya-Uganda border at Malaba.

Uganda will subsequently build a connecting pipeline to Kampala, with potential future expansions to Kigali, Rwanda, on the horizon.

This interconnected infrastructure network is poised to transform the region’s energy landscape.

Uganda’s recent shift towards independent fuel imports, marking the end of its reliance on Kenya for refined petroleum products, has spurred the acceleration of this pipeline project.

By securing a supply agreement with Vitol Bahrain, Uganda aims to achieve more competitive fuel prices while leveraging Kenya’s existing infrastructure for transportation.

The seeds of this ambitious project were sown in 1995 with a Memorandum of Understanding between Kenya and Uganda.

A feasibility study funded by the European Investment Bank, completed earlier this year, confirmed the project’s viability and economic soundness.

Both President William Ruto of Kenya and President Yoweri Museveni of Uganda have expressed unwavering support for the initiative, recognizing its potential to drive regional development and prosperity.

To ensure the successful implementation of this critical infrastructure, both countries have committed to establishing a joint committee to oversee quality control and resource mobilization.

With a target date of late 2024 for progress reports, the project is moving forward with momentum and determination.