Government Spokesperson Isaac Mwaura expressed support for Kenya’s decision to prevent Uganda from utilizing the Kenya Pipeline Company (KPC) infrastructure for transporting refined petroleum products from Mombasa to Uganda.
Speaking in an interview with Citizen TV’s Nimrod Taabu, Mwaura defended the move, emphasizing that it was made with the welfare of ordinary Kenyans in mind.
Mwaura highlighted the financial strain on Kenya in maintaining the pipeline system and transporting fuel to Uganda, citing insufficient benefits from the project.
He stated, “The pipeline is not used efficiently, the deal is expensive, but we are not reaping the expected profits.”
Regarding the ongoing legal case where Uganda is suing Kenya, Mwaura emphasized that the government would await the court ruling before taking any further action.
Despite this, he stressed Kenya’s commitment to engage with Uganda and prioritize projects that economically benefit the public, emphasizing the adoption of the new Government-to-Government (G2G) model.
“We are waiting to see what happens since they went to court.
Regardless, this is something that benefits Kenyans; we have a right to benefit from the measures we have put to collect revenues on top of other needs,” Mwaura explained.
Dispelling rumors of tension between Kenya and DR Congo, Mwaura referred to President Ruto’s recent congratulatory message to President Felix Tshisekedi, highlighting the strong relations between the two countries in trade and governance.
He dismissed claims of discord during Congo elections, stating, “There is no disaccord with DR Congo; the claims emanated from elections, but even the President was among the first to congratulate Tshisekedi.”
Uganda had taken the matter to the East African Court of Justice (EACJ), accusing Kenya of denying its entity, the Uganda National Oil Company (UNOC), the right to operate as an Oil Marketing Company (OMC) in Kenya.
Uganda also contested the licensing protocols imposed by EPRA on UNOC, seeking to declare them irrelevant, irrational, and illegal.
Additionally, Uganda accused Kenya of violating the EAC treaty by restraining EPRA from issuing the OMC license to Uganda.
