Governor Okoth Obado and KPC team

Migori County Government is in the process of partnering with the Kenya Pipeline Cooperation (KPC) to set up an oil depot in the area at a cost of Sh9.7 billion.

In a meeting chaired by Governor Zachary Okoth Obado in his office, and attended by KPC officials, it was resolved thatthe two partners form a joint team that would prepare necessary documents to formalize the engagements.

The depot that is expected to have a storage capacity of 20,000m3, and its establishment to end in December next year, will receive fuel through a spur line that will cover 175km from Kericho, through Kisii to Migori.

The depot, suggested to be located in either Muhuru Bay in Nyatike or Isebania in Kuria West Sub County will cover 20 acres of land.

“The County government and KPC will now prepare legal framework including the MoU for the proposed investment. This is a flagship project for the people of Migori and my government will give it the necessary full support,” said Obado.

According to Engineer Kibitole Leting of KPC, there will be a sub-station of 33 kilo volts (KV) at the depot, at least two storage tanks to tackle mixed products and a dump tank that will be used in disposing of contaminated products.

“This will be a big project that will also have a pump station, a stand by generator power supply of 33kvato serve as a backup when the station is experiencing downtime to ensure continuity of pumping, among other things,” he said.

A joint team will consistof eight membersfrom Migori and KPC and will be in charge ofmonitoring the activities towards the establishment of the depot in the county. Migori will pick members, each from Planning, Trade, Land and Energy departments.

“The Migori officials are expected to visit KPC’s Petrocity Depot at Konza tentatively soon to get a feel of the ultra-modern depot,” suggested Leting.

Migori County Assembly Speaker, Gordon Ogola and his Deputy Boaz Okoth, who also attended the meeting, gave it a nod, saying the project would offer employment opportunities to the people and also boost trade.

“We are happy about the concept. This is an exciting prospect and will change the face of this county if implemented,” said Ogola.

The parties agreed to undertake feasibility and environmental impact assessment studies aimed at obtaining necessary approvals and funding from the relevant authorities.

“These will help in obtaining necessary approvals from bodies such as such NEMA, OSHA, ERC, MOEP, County Government, NCA, Kenya Roads Authority, KRA, among others. We shall also engage in an intensive awareness campaigns,” said Jacinta Seko, the KPC Communications Officer.