What You Need to Know
President William Ruto has announced that the Kenya Pipeline Company will be listed on the Nairobi Securities Exchange this January. This initiative aims to enable ordinary Kenyans to invest in one of the country’s most profitable state corporations, promoting economic growth and public participation in national development.
Africa-Press – Kenya. President William Ruto has officially announced that the Kenya Pipeline Company (KPC) will be listed on the Nairobi Securities Exchange (NSE) this January, opening the door for ordinary Kenyans and investors to buy shares and benefit from its ownership.
According to the Head of State, the listing is part of his administration’s broader plan to unlock value from public assets, deepen Kenya’s capital markets and allow citizens to directly benefit from the country’s economic growth.
Ruto urged Kenyans to take advantage of the opportunity, saying the move would enable ordinary citizens to own a stake in one of the country’s most profitable state corporations.
“We have said the shares will be sold to everyone. Even if you have Sh200 or Sh300, come and buy, so that when profits are announced, you are part of it. You take your share and use it to grow your business,” the President said during an event in West Pokot.
He stated that this was about giving Kenyans a chance to invest, grow their wealth and share in the benefits of national development.
KPC plays a critical role in the transportation and storage of petroleum products across the country and the wider region, making it one of the most strategic assets in the energy sector.
Ruto’s announcement follows earlier commitments by his administration to partially privatise KPC through a stock market listing.
In previous remarks, Ruto said the government intended to sell part of its shareholding in selected state-owned enterprises to raise capital, improve efficiency and reduce reliance on public borrowing.
He identified KPC as one of the firms suitable for listing due to its strong balance sheet and consistent profitability.
Last year, Ruto said the listing would also help revive activity at the NSE by introducing a large, high-value company that could attract both local and foreign investors.
“We want our capital markets to grow and become a strong engine for investment and job creation,” he said at the time.
He confirmed that the listing would allow both local and international investors, including East African partners such as Uganda, to co-invest in KPC, expanding regional participation in strategic infrastructure.
Treasury officials led by Cabinet Secretary John Mbadi have previously explained that listing KPC would raise funds to support the company’s expansion plans.
This includes regional infrastructure projects and diversification into related energy services, while improving transparency and corporate governance through public ownership.
The government has also indicated it will retain a significant stake in the company to safeguard national interests, even as shares are offered to the public.
The planned KPC listing forms part of a wider privatisation and economic reform programme aimed at boosting private-sector participation, strengthening public finances and expanding opportunities for Kenyans to invest in the country’s development.
If completed as scheduled, the KPC share offer will mark one of the most significant listings at the NSE in recent years, signalling renewed confidence in Kenya’s capital markets.
When a company is NSE, it means the company’s shares are officially admitted for trading on the stock market, allowing the public to buy and sell ownership stakes in that company.
In simple terms, it means the company becomes partly owned by the public.
The company sells a portion of its shares to investors through an Initial Public Offering (IPO) or a later listing.
Anyone who buys the shares becomes a shareholder and part-owner of the company.
Once listed, the company’s shares are traded on the NSE on trading days.
Investors can buy or sell shares through licensed stockbrokers at market prices.
Listing also helps a company raise money to fund expansion, repay debt, invest in infrastructure, or improve operations, without borrowing.
Being listed boosts a company’s public profile and trust, making it easier to attract investors, lenders, and business partners.
Investors may benefit through dividends (a share of of the company’s profits and capital gains if the share prices rises.
A listed company must follow strict rules set by the Capital Markets Authority (CMA) and NSE.
This includes publishing audited financial statements, making public important information (profits, losses, major decisions) and pholding corporate governance standards.
The Kenya Pipeline Company (KPC) has been a vital player in the transportation and storage of petroleum products in Kenya since its establishment. The government’s move to list KPC on the Nairobi Securities Exchange is part of a broader strategy to enhance public participation in the economy and improve the efficiency of state-owned enterprises. This initiative aligns with ongoing efforts to privatize certain sectors to stimulate investment and economic growth.
Listing KPC is expected to attract both local and international investors, fostering regional partnerships and enhancing the company’s operational capacity. The government’s commitment to retaining a significant stake in KPC aims to,
