Construction Of Mombasa, Nairobi Pipeline To Begin

PPOA dismissed a petition by three companies, China Petroleum Engineering and Construction Corporation, Kalpataru Power Transmission and China WuYi Company Limited challenging the tendering process.

The 43 billion project will be executed by Zhakem International under the consultancy of Shengli Engineering Consulting Limited of Kenya.

Construction of the 20 inch multi-product oil pipeline from Mombasa to Nairobi is set to begin in earnest after the signing of the contract between KPC and Zakhem International.

Speaking at the signing, KPC Managing Director Charles Tanui said the rolling out of the project was a manifestation of KPC’s commitment to realizing the Port Community Charter he signed with other port stakeholders.

In the Charter, KPC has committed to create capacity for handling, transporting, storing and transferring projected volumes of petroleum products from the port of Mombasa.

Tanui said the tender process was above board and in tandem with the best international practice.

Tanui said efficiency, focusing on adherence to quality standards and strict timelines are key for the successful delivery of the project.

‘ I am more than convinced that with over 40 years of experience the contractor has had in the construction of pipelines, Zakhem will meet the 18 month construction period,’ said Tanui.

‘Being the initial company that constructed the initial Mombasa-Nairobi oil multi- product oil pipleline in 1973, I am confident that we are equal to the task and shall certainly deliver the project within the stipulated time,’ said Zakhem Managing Director Ibrahim S. Zakhem.

By Beth Nyagah and Maureen Murimi