This archive report was first published on 10 August 2019.
Published on August 10, 2019, a major controversy has erupted over Kenya's Sh50 billion Mombasa-Nairobi oil pipeline. The main contractor, Zakhem, has accused the Kenya Pipeline Corporation (KPC) of ignoring design flaws and ignoring advice to install a leak detection system.
According to Zakhem, the 450km pipeline has serious design flaws that may cause it to corrode away sooner than later. The company claims that KPC management and board ignored their advice to address these issues before commissioning the pipeline.
One of the major concerns raised by Zakhem is the lack of a leak detection system, which they claim would have prevented the recent leakage in Kiboko area of Makueni. The company also accused KPC of ignoring their advice to install the system, and when they eventually considered the matter, they cancelled the installation.
Other shocking revelations by Zakhem include the bizarre location of a new fire-fighting system on top of an existing fire-fighting system, prolonged periods of delay, and other operational bottlenecks. The company claims that these issues were ignored by KPC management and board, and that they are now facing the consequences.
Responding to the allegations, the KPC stuck to its script that it would not be drawn into a public spat with Zakhem on contractual matters. The acting MD, Hudson Andambi, apologized for the leakage and promised to keep Kenyans properly and fully informed about the matter.
