The Kenya Pipeline Company (KPC) and the Kenya Bureau of Standards (KEBS) have signed a strategic Service Legal Agreement (SLA) that will see all petroleum imports tested at KPC’s ISO 17025-accredited laboratories.
The three-year partnership, valued at Ksh. 45 million, was formalized at KPC’s headquarters in Nairobi. It aims to revolutionize Kenya’s national fuel testing system by leveraging KPC’s extensive network of seven laboratories, six dedicated to petroleum testing and one to environmental analysis.
Speaking at the signing ceremony, KPC Managing Director Joe Sang hailed the agreement as a transformative milestone for the country’s energy sector.
“The collaboration between KPC and KEBS serves as a bold step towards deepening trust and efficiency in the country’s petroleum sector,” Sang stated. “Having our accredited labs support KEBS will cut down fuel clearance times, promote transparency, and strengthen Kenya’s reputation as a regional energy leader.”
Sang further noted that the operationalization of the SLA under the ISO 17025:2017 accreditation would ensure that petroleum cargoes are tested, in full compliance with global standards—bolstering consumer, investor, and stakeholder confidence.
KEBS Managing Director Esther Ngari echoed the optimism, emphasizing the importance of the partnership in improving regulatory efficiency and safety in the petroleum value chain.
“This collaboration is a landmark development in our ongoing commitment to uphold and advance quality standards within the petroleum sector,” said Ngari. “It will drive efficiency, reduce logistical complexities, and contribute significantly to the reliability of Kenya’s fuel supply.”
Previously, KEBS had to transport samples to distant facilities, a costly and time-consuming process. With KPC’s laboratories now fully accredited and strategically positioned at major depots and the Kipevu Oil Terminal in Mombasa, fuel testing turnaround times will reduce drastically, from 24 hours to just seven.
KPC’s laboratories are equipped with modern technology and use globally recognized testing methods, including ASTM and Energy Institute (EI) standards. The new system will test a range of petroleum products including diesel, petrol, aviation fuel, and lubricants.
This agreement aligns with KPC’s 2021 strategic plan to commercialize its laboratory services and offer third-party testing to Oil Marketing Companies (OMCs), further enhancing Kenya’s standing as a regional logistics and energy hub.
The deal also supports the government’s wider agenda of fostering collaboration among state agencies, improving regulatory oversight, and enhancing the country’s global trade competitiveness.
With this move, KPC now stands as East Africa’s largest multi-site accredited laboratory network, positioned to meet the region’s rising energy demands while upholding international quality standards.