Kenya Pipeline Issues Statement After Manhole Explodes Near Headquarters

The Kenya Pipeline Company (KPC) has announced the formation of a multidisciplinary team to investigate the cause of a fire that broke out near its headquarters after a manhole exploded.
In a statement issued on September 25, KPC acknowledged the incident, in which a fire erupted from an exploded manhole near its storage facilities in Nairobi’s Industrial Area.
Theexplosion, which was heard in surrounding areas,caused panic among residents and company employees, who were subsequently evacuated from the premises.
“The fire incident reported near the Kenya Pipeline Company headquarters on Thursday, September 25, has been contained,” KPC noted.
“A multidisciplinary team has been formed to investigate the exact cause of the incident,” the company added.
KPC disclosed that no injuries were reported during the incident and that the company’s operations remained unaffected as emergency teams responded.
In dealing with the fire, KPC noted that the proximity of the fire scene to its fuel storage facilities prompted the rapid deployment of emergency response teams to prevent significant losses and damage.
KPC further stated that emergency services managed to control the fire, with the manhole drains charged with foam to prevent recurrence.
In an attempt to contain the situation and prevent it from worsening,the company disconnected its power supplyto mitigate additional risks.
It credited the County Government of Nairobi, the Kenya Airports Authority, and Oil Marketing Companies (OMCs) for their swift response in containing the fire.
“The Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA) was also present at the site. We also acknowledge the support of the Makadara Deputy County Commissioner (DCC) and Sinai community leaders for their cooperation in ensuring public safety,” KPC noted.
While the cause of the fire remains unknown, possible causes include petroleum vapour leaks, sewer or biogas build-up, electrical short circuits within the manhole, corrosion failure, or ignition from work activities.