Listen to This Article Enhance your reading experience by listening to this article.

Kisumu pipeline is set to undergo a significant expansion to increase its oil storage capacity. Currently, the facility faces limitations as it is unable to load both ships and trucks simultaneously.

The planned expansion aims to address this issue by creating separate storage and loading facilities for vessels and trucks, allowing for more efficient operations.

Energy Cabinet Secretary Opiyo Wandayi announced the expansion plans, highlighting that the project will not only cater to growing domestic demand but also open new trade avenues within Kenya’s East African neighbours, such as Rwanda.

He announced they will expand the Kisumu pipeline’s storage capacity from 12,000 cubic meters to 14,000 cubic meters during an inspection tour of the Kisumu pipeline and oil jetty.

“This expansion aims to address the current limitations of the facility, which is unable to load ships and trucks simultaneously, he said.Wandayi made the rem arks during an inspection of the jetty and oil shipping vessels at Kisumu Kenya pipeline docking yard. He was flanked by Kisumu Port Manager William Tenay and Kenya Pipeline Company (KPC) officials

The CS explained that creating separate storage and loading facilities for vessels and trucks, the project will enhance operational efficiency and accommodate the growing demand for petroleum products.  The expansion is part of a broader vision to transform Kisumu into a regional energy hub and boost Kenya’s capacity to generate revenue from petroleum products.

The Kisumu Oil Jetty, operational since December 2022, has already made significant strides in reshaping petroleum distribution in East Africa.  The expansion will further enhance the efficiency and capacity of the Kisumu pipeline, contributing to the region’s economic growth and development.

With improved infrastructure and increased storage capacity, Kisumu is poised to become a key player in the regional petroleum value chain, supporting the free movement of goods and regional ports.

The expansion is part of a broader vision to transform Kenya into a regional energy hub, boosting the country’s ability to generate revenue from petroleum products.

The jetty has successfully evacuated 290 million litres of oil products from Kisumu to Entebbe, Uganda, reducing the number of trucks on the road and cutting down on traffic congestion.

The expansion project is expected to further enhance the efficiency and capacity of the Kisumu pipeline, contributing to the overall economic growth and development of the region. With improved infrastructure and increased storage capacity, Kisumu is poised to become a key player in the regional petroleum value chain.

This development aligns with the government’s commitment to facilitating the free movement of goods and supporting regional trade, ensuring a more seamless and efficient distribution of petroleum products.