Kenya Pipeline Company engages union in talks to resolve labour dispute and avert potential disruption to petroleum transportation.
Kenya Pipeline Company (KPC) is racing against time to resolve a labour dispute with the Kenya Petroleum Oil Workers Union (KPOWU) following a strike notice that could disrupt the transportation of petroleum products across Kenya and neighbouring countries.
In a statement issued on Friday, October 9, 2026, KPC confirmed that it had received the union’s strike notice after workers’ representatives publicly outlined their grievances during a press conference.
The company said negotiations with the union were ongoing, expressing confidence that the outstanding issues could be resolved through established labour relations mechanisms.
KPC maintained that it remained committed to constructive engagement with the union, emphasising that dialogue offered the best path towards resolving the dispute without escalating tensions.
The pipeline operator said it was committed to implementing the Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) and complying with labour laws governing its relationship with unionisable employees.
The company further disclosed that discussions with KPOWU were continuing, with the Federation of Kenya Employers (FKE) among the third parties facilitating negotiations.
“Discussions between Management and the Union remain ongoing, including engagements facilitated by third parties such as the Federation of Kenya Employers (FKE),” the company said.
KPC added that it would continue using the appropriate forums to address the issues raised by the union, signalling that efforts to reach an agreement remained underway.
The company also stressed the importance of preserving a constructive relationship with workers, noting that continued engagement would serve the interests of employees, the organisation and the public.
The strike notice has raised concerns over the potential impact of industrial action on fuel transportation, given KPC’s critical role in moving petroleum products through its pipeline network to key destinations in Kenya and the wider region.
Any disruption to essential pipeline operations could complicate fuel distribution, depending on the scale and duration of the strike and the services affected.
Kenya relies on the pipeline network to transport petroleum products to various depots, supporting distribution to different parts of the country and neighbouring markets.
A prolonged interruption could therefore place additional pressure on fuel logistics and distribution networks.
However, KPC did not report any operational disruption or fuel shortages in its statement, and it remains unclear whether the union will proceed with the planned industrial action.
The immediate focus is now on whether KPC and KPOWU can reach an agreement before the dispute escalates into industrial action.
The involvement of the Federation of Kenya Employers in facilitating discussions provides another avenue for resolving the outstanding grievances.
KPC reiterated its commitment to safe and reliable petroleum transportation as negotiations continue, with the outcome of the talks likely to determine whether the threatened strike can be averted.
