The Kenya Petroleum Oil Workers Union (KPOWU) has issued a fresh seven-day strike notice, warning of a nationwide industrial action by Kenya Pipeline Company (KPC) employees, citing failure by the employer to honour a previous agreement.

In a press statement issued by KPOWU General Secretary George Okoth, the union accused KPC management of violating key provisions of a Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) signed earlier this year, following a strike suspension.

The union has now vowed to proceed with a full-scale work stoppage if corrective action is not taken by July 31.

“All unionised employees of the Kenya Pipeline Company across the country will withdraw their labour if KPC does not honour its commitments,” said Okoth.

The statement follows a 21-day strike notice issued on April 22, which was suspended after parties agreed to talks.

The suspension, Okoth explained, was based on good faith and the signing of the MoA that laid out the framework for resolving outstanding labour issues.

However, the union now says that trust had been broken.

“Unfortunately, and in total arrogance and disregard to the plight of its workers, Kenya Pipeline Company management has failed to honour all the agreements,” Okoth said.

Among the issues cited by the union are alleged refusal by KPC to begin negotiations on the 2025–2029 Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA), violation of multiple existing CBA provisions and failure to regularize Kenya Petroleum Refineries Ltd staff under KPC terms.

Others are alleged discriminatory practices in awarding performance incentives, intimidation of union officials, and rampant corruption, particularly at the Eldoret Depot.

The union also raised alarm over the ongoing plans to privatize KPC, calling the process “opaque” and a distraction from resolving critical staff welfare issues.

“The planned privatization of KPC presents a unique challenge to workers. It is obvious this process has pushed all other critical issues to the sidelines,” said Okoth.

If the strike proceeds, it is likely to cause significant disruption in Kenya’s oil and gas sector. The Kenya Pipeline Company manages the country’s oil transportation infrastructure, including pipelines that serve depots, ports, and airports.

Okoth warned that the strike would affect fuel supply countrywide.

“We urge members of the public to make early arrangements for fuel stocks. In the event that fuel will be available during the strike period, we cannot guarantee its quality,” he said.

KPOWU said it regrets the inconvenience the strike may cause to the public but insisted that it is left with no alternative.