KPOWU National General Secretary George Okoth accused KPC management and the government of reneging on multiple agreements signed with the union, particularly a Memorandum of Agreement reached in April 2025. According to the union, despite pledges made during the April engagement, KPC’s management has failed to implement key resolutions and has displayed what the union termed “total arrogance and disregard” for employees’ welfare.
“Our members are deeply frustrated by the government’s continued inaction. The KPC management’s failure to honour its commitments shows outright contempt for the plight of its employees,” Okoth said.
Among the unresolved issues are the delayed commencement of negotiations for the 2025–2029 Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA), failure to regularise employment for staff under KPC terms, inequitable payment of performance incentives, and continued intimidation of union officials. The union is demanding immediate redress on all fronts.
KPOWU is also fiercely opposed to the government’s renewed push to privatise the Kenya Pipeline Company through an Initial Public Offering (IPO) at the Nairobi Securities Exchange in September. The union argues that the process is being prioritised at the expense of urgent labour issues, and claims it is being conducted with minimal stakeholder consultation.
“We are deeply concerned that amid serious injustices faced by KPC workers, the privatisation process is being treated as more important. This opaque process has overshadowed all other critical matters that directly affect employees,” Okoth added.
The union warned that unless the government acts swiftly, it will mobilise workers across all KPC installations, including depots, ports, and airports, to down their tools. Such action would have far-reaching consequences on the national and regional petroleum supply chain.
“In light of the expected disruption in fuel supply from this week, the general public is advised to make early arrangements for fuel stocks. In the event that fuel is available during the strike, we cannot guarantee its quality,” Okoth warned.
The union further accused the government of effectively suspending operational activities at KPC in favour of fast-tracking privatisation, arguing that the company has greater revenue potential if subjected to prudent internal management rather than being sold to private investors.
KPOWU is now calling on the government and KPC to take “concrete and immediate action” to resolve the impasse, warning that failure to do so within the stipulated period will result in a nationwide industrial action.
As of press time, KPC had not issued an official response, despite earlier indicating that a statement would be forthcoming.
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