President William Ruto (2nd left) rings the bell to mark the beginning of trading at the Nairobi Securities Exchange in Nairobi on March 10
By Our Reporter
Uganda has formalised its entry into ownership of the Kenya Pipeline Company after acquiring a 20.15% stake in the firm, as trading of the company’s shares officially began at the Nairobi Securities Exchange on Tuesday.
The milestone was marked by a bell-ringing ceremony in Nairobi presided over by Kenyan President William Ruto, signalling the commencement of trading of Kenya Pipeline Company shares following its successful initial public offering.
Officials announced during the event that the Government of Uganda had secured a 20.15% shareholding in the pipeline operator through the state-owned Uganda National Oil Company, positioning Kampala as one of the major investors in the strategic energy infrastructure company.
Speaking at the ceremony on behalf of Energy Minister Ruth Nankabirwa, Permanent Secretary Irene Bateebe said the investment was aimed at strengthening regional energy security and ensuring reliable petroleum supply for Uganda.
She described the stake as a strategic step toward deepening economic cooperation between Uganda and Kenya while reinforcing regional integration efforts within the East African Community.
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President William Ruto (2nd left) rings the bell to mark the beginning of trading at the Nairobi Securities Exchange in Nairobi on March 10
By Our Reporter
Uganda has formalised its entry into ownership of the Kenya Pipeline Company after acquiring a 20.15% stake in the firm, as trading of the company’s shares officially began at the Nairobi Securities Exchange on Tuesday.
The milestone was marked by a bell-ringing ceremony in Nairobi presided over by Kenyan President William Ruto, signalling the commencement of trading of Kenya Pipeline Company shares following its successful initial public offering.
Officials announced during the event that the Government of Uganda had secured a 20.15% shareholding in the pipeline operator through the state-owned Uganda National Oil Company, positioning Kampala as one of the major investors in the strategic energy infrastructure company.
Speaking at the ceremony on behalf of Energy Minister Ruth Nankabirwa, Permanent Secretary Irene Bateebe said the investment was aimed at strengthening regional energy security and ensuring reliable petroleum supply for Uganda.
She described the stake as a strategic step toward deepening economic cooperation between Uganda and Kenya while reinforcing regional integration efforts within the East African Community.
Uganda relies heavily on Kenya’s pipeline network to transport petroleum products from the Indian Ocean port of Mombasa to inland markets. Government officials say acquiring equity in the company that manages the pipeline will give Uganda greater influence over decisions affecting tariffs, infrastructure expansion and the stability of its fuel supply chain.
The IPO raised more than KSh106 billion, according to organisers, reflecting strong investor participation and marking one of the most significant listings of strategic infrastructure assets in the region in recent years.
Kenyan authorities say the partial listing of the pipeline operator is part of broader efforts to open up state-owned enterprises to private and regional investment while strengthening the country’s capital markets.
For Uganda, the move signals a shift from being solely a transit customer to becoming a shareholder in one of East Africa’s most critical energy transport systems, a development officials say could improve coordination on fuel supply logistics and infrastructure planning across the region.
