Omtatah seeks disclosure of hidden owners in Kenya Pipeline Company
By Faith Lagat, June 11, 2026Busia Senator Okiya Omtatah has formally sought a statement from the Senate Standing Committee on Energy over the non-disclosure of beneficial ownership in the Kenya Pipeline Company (KPC) following the company’s recent Initial Public Offering (IPO).
In a request dated June 11, 2026, submitted under Standing Order 53(1), Omtatah questioned the opacity surrounding ownership of shares in what he described as a strategic national asset critical to Kenya’s energy security and economic stability.
The senator cited information contained in the KPC IPO Information Memorandum indicating that a significant proportion of the company’s top shareholders hold their shares through nominee accounts. According to Omtatah, only two of the top twenty shareholders are publicly identified, raising concerns about transparency and public accountability.
“Given the strategic importance of the KPC in the country’s energy sector, the opacity surrounding the beneficial ownership of a significant portion of its shareholding raises legitimate public interest concerns regarding potential concentration of influence, foreign control, conflict of interest, and the adequacy of safeguards protecting critical national infrastructure,” Omtatah stated.
Details sought from Energy Committee
In his request, Omtatah asked the committee to provide a detailed breakdown of KPC’s shareholding structure, including stakes held by the Government of Kenya, state corporations, institutional investors, pension funds, foreign entities and private investors.
He further called for disclosure of the beneficial owners behind nominee accounts and clarification on the legal framework governing ownership transparency in publicly traded companies.
The senator also requested information on whether any current or former public officers hold direct or indirect beneficial interests in the company and sought details on measures taken by the government and the Capital Markets Authority to safeguard strategic assets from undisclosed ownership or undue influence.
Additionally, he asked for an assessment of potential risks to national energy security, governance and public interest, as well as proposed legislative and policy reforms to strengthen beneficial ownership disclosure in companies managing critical infrastructure.
Broader push for accountability
The KPC request comes days after Omtatah raised concerns over the Affordable Housing Programme through a separate statement request to the Senate Standing Committee on Land, Environment and Natural Resources.
In that request, he referenced findings by the Auditor-General regarding housing projects lacking proper land ownership documentation and sought clarification on land allocation procedures, public participation requirements and accountability mechanisms.
“Affordable housing cannot become a cover for land grabbing,” Omtatah stated while calling for a comprehensive register of affected projects and greater transparency in programme implementation.
The latest request is expected to trigger further scrutiny of ownership disclosure requirements in strategic public assets as the Senate awaits a response from the Energy Committee on the issues raised regarding KPC’s shareholding structure and governance.