Kenya Pipeline Company (KPC) says demolished stalls at the former Taj Mall area in Embakasi had encroached on pipeline wayleave.
The company said traders had defied a vacation notice issued late last year.
Stanley Manduku, wayleaves manager at KPC, said the move was necessary to safeguard communities living along the pipeline against potential hazards resulting from human activity. "While regrettable, evicting the illegal settlers is necessary to avert potential catastrophes like oil spoils of fires that could occur if the pipeline is compromised," he said.
KPC said the Tuesday exercise is the beginning of many others in various parts of the country. "The exercise, which began in Embakasi, Nairobi County, comes after public sensitisation forums were held with the community in October 2024, and two eviction notices and reminders issued therefore," said Manduku. "As per the notices, the deadline for voluntary vacation was on February 14, 2025." He said the demolitions would cover the entire pipeline area covering of 1,342kms in 14 counties. "Of late we have had very serious encroachment of pipeline wayleave and this has promoted the Ministry of Energy and Petroleum to issue a directive that these areas must be cleared.
