Business owners in the Kaptembwo area of Nakuru County have begun voluntarily relocating their structures following a sensitisation campaign by the Kenya Pipeline Corporation (KPC). The removal process, which was initially set for late March, has gained momentum as the affected individuals proactively comply with the directive.
KPC clarified its role in the matter, stating that the removal of structures is not being enforced by the corporation but is rather a voluntary effort by business owners. According to KPC’s Stanley Manduku, the corporation had issued a three-month notice and conducted public participation meetings to educate the community on the importance of maintaining clear access to pipeline infrastructure.
“The public participation process was highly effective, and many business owners began dismantling their structures ahead of the deadline,” Manduku explained. “KPC has not initiated any removals, nor have we deployed personnel for the task.”
KPC operates a vast underground pipeline network spanning over 1,342 kilometers from Mombasa to Kisumu and Eldoret. These pipelines run through designated wayleaves—typically 30 meters wide—ensuring safe operations and ease of maintenance. In Kaptembwo, KPC shares this space with Kenya Power and Lighting Company (KPLC), which manages overhead power lines.
Manduku noted that many encroachments occurred due to a misunderstanding, with individuals assuming the clear land above the underground pipelines was unused. To address the issue, KPC collaborated with county leaders, KPLC, and the National Environment Management Authority (NEMA) to educate the community on the risks posed by such encroachments.
One of KPC’s primary concerns is pipeline safety, as erosion has compromised sections of the infrastructure. Some areas have experienced significant soil loss, increasing the risk of exposure and potential damage to the pipeline. In response, KPC launched a large-scale restoration project, bringing in soil from construction sites to reinforce the affected sections.
“The restoration process began on January 15, 2025, and is expected to take several months,” Manduku said. “So far, we have dumped over 1,000 lorries of soil, completing about 30 percent of the work. We estimate that we need 3,000 lorries of soil to fully restore the area.”
Once the restoration is complete, KPC plans to contour the land to enhance stability and prevent future erosion. The corporation is also addressing similar encroachments in other regions, including Mombasa, where community engagement efforts are ongoing.
Manduku reaffirmed KPC’s commitment to handling the issue with sensitivity, ensuring a smooth transition for affected individuals. “The community has responded positively, demonstrating an understanding of the importance of keeping infrastructure clear,” he concluded.
