Kenya Pipeline Breaks Silence on Oil Workers’ Strike Notice
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Kenya Pipeline Company (KPC) has responded to a strike notice issued by the Kenya Petroleum Oil Workers Union (KPOWU) as both parties continue negotiations over unresolved labour issues.
The company issued a statement on Friday, October 9, 2026, following a press conference in which the union raised concerns affecting its members.
In its response, KPC confirmed receiving the strike notice and acknowledged the matters raised by the union.
“Kenya Pipeline Company PLC (“KPC” or “the Company”) has noted a press conference held earlier today by the Kenya Petroleum Oil Workers Union (KPOWU), portions of which have been carried by various media outlets. KPC further confirms that it is in receipt of a strike notice issued by the Union and has taken note of the matters raised therein,” the company stated.
Kenya Pipeline Says Negotiations With Union Are Ongoing
KPC reaffirmed its commitment to implementing the Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) and complying with labour laws governing its relationship with unionisable employees.
Furthermore, the company emphasised the need to resolve the dispute through established industrial relations mechanisms rather than public exchanges between the two parties.
Management and union representatives continue to discuss the outstanding issues, with the Federation of Kenya Employers (FKE) facilitating some of the engagements, according to KPC.
“Discussions between Management and the Union remain ongoing, including engagements facilitated by third parties such as the Federation of Kenya Employers (FKE). While the Company remains focused on resolving any outstanding matters through these processes, it does not believe that public exchanges will aid their resolution. The Company will, however, continue to engage the Union through appropriate forums with a view to resolving the issues raised,” the notice stated.
However, the company did not state whether the discussions had produced an agreement or whether KPOWU had withdrawn its strike notice.
The union has reportedly given KPC seven days to resolve the outstanding issues, raising the possibility of industrial action if the dispute remains unresolved.
Also Read: Learning Disruption Looms in Public Universities as UASU Issues Strike Notice
KPC Addresses Concerns Over Fuel Transportation
Meanwhile, the company said it would continue prioritising employee welfare and the transportation of petroleum products as negotiations proceed.
The company operates a pipeline network that transports petroleum products across Kenya and the wider region.
Consequently, the labour dispute concerns both employee relations and the company’s role in petroleum distribution.
In its statement, KPC reiterated its commitment to maintaining safe and reliable transportation while addressing the union’s concerns.
“KPC will continue to prioritise the welfare of its employees and the safe, reliable and uninterrupted transportation of petroleum products for Kenya and the region,” it stated.
What KPOWU Workers Are Demanding
The dispute centres on employee welfare, the implementation of collective bargaining agreements and outstanding workers’ benefits.
Also Read: Sugar Workers Threaten Strike Over Ksh2.7 Billion in Salary Arrears
KPOWU has previously raised issues involving overtime payments, standby allowances, meal benefits and the treatment of workers affected by changes involving Kenya Petroleum Refineries Limited (KPRL).
Meanwhile, KPC maintains that negotiations remain ongoing and says it will continue engaging KPOWU through established channels to address the issues raised.
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The image shows large industrial petroleum storage tanks operated by the Kenya Pipeline Company (KPC) at one of their fuel storage depots.
PHOTO/KPC