KPC’s Managing Director, Joe Sang. [Photo/Courtesy]

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Kenya Pipeline Company (KPC) has said the cleanup of an oil spill at Thange in Kibwezi County was 90 percent complete.

KPC’s Managing Director, Joe Sang, said the clean up was expected to be complete within this year.

“There is sufficient progress on the clean up and we are determined as KPC to have this environment fully restored. We are working closely with other agencies of government including NEMA, WRMA and the Makueni county government to have this matter finalized,” said Sang.

The MD who toured the area to assess progress made said the company had over the last two years spent over Ksh 22million in support of the community through the provision of clean water, food aid, and bursaries.

“Next week, we are bringing an additional 67 bursary cheques totaling sh 1 million as our social investment program for this community continues. In total, over 170 disadvantaged kids from Thange can now access education courtesy of KPC,” said Sang.

The company has already received 4,000 applications for compensation following the oil Spill. Over 200 residents have already received compensation from KPC’s insurer CIC insurance. Residents of Thange Valley have made claims in four major categories namely; Livestock losses, Crop losses, Medical expenses and Water expenses.

Senator Mutula Kilonzo jnr said the contractor, Enviroserv, needs to fasten the clean up process so that the people of Thange can get back their clean environment to till their farms and fend for themselves.

“NEMA should come to Thange more regularly to audit the clean up process. It's NEMA that we shall rely on in giving this area a clean bill of health,” said Kilonzo.

Kilonzo urged CIC Insurance to find an easier way of handling the medical claims in a faster way so that the affected persons can be compensated.

The ageing Nairobi-Mombasa pipeline passes through Thange. The 14-inch Mombasa-Nairobi pipeline was constructed in 1978 and has been in operation for 39 years, way beyond its 25 year useful life. 

Being the only pipeline that feeds the country and its neighbours, it has to be kept in operating state through constant repairs and inspection.

But the 450km Mombasa – Nairobi pipeline is currently being replaced to meet the region’s future petroleum needs. The new line, a Vision 2030 Shs 48 billion project, will include fire-fighting systems in new stations, installing energy efficient equipment and pipeline monitoring technology to ensure easy spotting of damages on the line.

The project is well underway and will be ready for commissioning this year. The new pipeline will improve the safety, reliability and efficient delivery of product to KPC’s customers and reduce the losses and damages caused by spillage on the current 14” Mombasa -Nairobi pipeline.