The recent establishment of a Joint Technical Committee marks a significant step forward in the development of the Eldoret-Kampala-Kigali refined petroleum products pipeline. Comprising Kenya, Uganda, Rwanda, and South Sudan, the committee’s formation follows renewed discussions among the four countries, which were reopened in May 2024. These talks culminated in the creation of the technical committee during discussions held in Nairobi in July, aimed at guiding the construction process of a pipeline that will transport different petroleum products across these East African nations.
Revisiting the Pipeline Project
The concept of the Eldoret-Kampala-Kigali pipeline was first conceptualized in 1995 and formalized in a 2013 agreement among Kenya, Uganda, and Rwanda. However, its implementation has faced numerous delays over the years. The May 2024 discussions between the partner states were pivotal in rejuvenating interest in the project, reflecting its importance in reducing reliance on road transportation for oil and ensuring a steady supply of fuel across the region. These deliberations underscored the need for a safer, more eco-friendly mode of transport to cater to the petroleum needs of East Africa.
The decision to commission a joint technical committee was officially announced in Entebbe, Uganda, at the beginning of December 2024, during a ministerial meeting led by Uganda’s Minister for State for Energy, Okaasai Opolot. “The continued collaboration among Kenya, Uganda, Rwanda, and South Sudan illustrates the collective commitment to advancing NCIP initiatives and unlocking the region’s economic potential,” stated Mohamed Liban, Principal Secretary for Petroleum. The formation of the technical committee highlights the shared vision among these nations to streamline the process and ensure that the pipeline project moves forward with minimal hurdles.
Mandate and Objectives of the Technical Committee
The Joint Technical Committee has been entrusted with a wide-ranging mandate to oversee the development of the pipeline. This includes reviewing land allocations for the project, updating the project timeline, and establishing mechanisms to increase the use of the Kisumu Oil Jetty for fuel transport. Additionally, the committee is responsible for preparing a detailed report on the project’s status and outlining the steps required for further development. This comprehensive approach aims to ensure that the pipeline’s construction is carried out efficiently, addressing any potential challenges in land acquisition, environmental impact, and logistical concerns.
One of the primary goals of the Eldoret-Kampala-Kigali pipeline is to provide a safer and more environmentally friendly mode of transporting petroleum products across East Africa. Currently, petroleum products destined for the regional market are imported, offloaded at the Port of Mombasa, and then transported to Eldoret via pipeline. From there, these products are loaded onto trucks for distribution to regional destinations, including Uganda, Rwanda, South Sudan, and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) by Oil Marketing Companies. This method of transportation, while necessary, is fraught with challenges, including significant environmental impact, increased risk of accidents, and potential spillages along the road.
Eco-Conscious and Cost-Effective Transportation Solution
The Eldoret-Kampala-Kigali pipeline offers a much-needed alternative, reducing reliance on trucks and thus mitigating the associated risks. The use of a pipeline is expected to significantly cut down transport costs and provide a more eco-conscious solution for the region. By reducing the number of trucks on the road, the pipeline will help minimize pollution and accidents, ensuring a safer and more sustainable method of transporting oil products. The establishment of the technical committee is a critical step towards achieving this, setting the stage for a more integrated and efficient supply chain across East Africa.
The focus on using the Kisumu Oil Jetty also reflects a strategic move to optimize resources within the region. This facility will serve as a critical node for transporting fuel into Uganda and beyond, effectively reducing the burden on the Port of Mombasa and offering a more direct route for petroleum distribution. By enhancing this infrastructure, the technical committee aims to make the pipeline a key asset in the broader Northern Corridor Integration Projects (NCIP), facilitating not only energy security but also economic growth for the member countries.
Conclusion
The creation of the Joint Technical Committee is a positive development in the journey towards the Eldoret-Kampala-Kigali petroleum pipeline’s realization. It represents a shared vision among Kenya, Uganda, Rwanda, and South Sudan to address the region’s energy needs sustainably and efficiently. As the committee reviews land allocations, updates timelines, and prepares detailed project reports, it will play a crucial role in overcoming the hurdles that have previously delayed the pipeline’s development. This initiative is not just about reducing transportation costs; it’s about building a safer, more sustainable energy infrastructure that will benefit the entire East African region for years to come. The next steps in the development of this vital project will be closely watched as the region moves closer to realizing its goal of a refined petroleum pipeline connecting these key East African economies.
