People living near Thange River in Makueni County have won a court case against the Kenya Pipeline Company (KPC). The case was about an oil spill that happened in 2015 and damaged their land, water, and health.
On July 11, 2025, the court ordered KPC to pay KSh 2.1 billion to the villagers as compensation. KPC will also pay KSh 900 million to the National Environment Management Authority (NEMA) for restoring the environment.
And unless KPC does the clean-up itself. In total, the company will spend a total of over KSh 3.8 billion.
The oil spill happened while KPC was moving fuel through a pipeline close to the Thange River. The leak polluted the soil and water in dozens of villages along Thange River basin. Many people lost crops, animals, and access to clean water. Some residents got sick.
How Kenya Pipeline Company Oil Spill Affected Petitioners
One woman, Christine Mueni Musa, told the court her husband died of cancer. She and her family also became ill. She believes the pollution caused their health problems.
The court said KPC did not take care of its pipeline properly. It also failed to detect the leak early or install safety systems. Judges said KPC and NEMA broke the law by not protecting people’s right to a clean and healthy environment.
KPC now has 120 days to fix the damage to the land and water. If NEMA does the work, KPC must pay them.
The court gave a detailed breakdown of the money KPC must pay warded KES2.25 millionFor the loss of expectation of life for 15 victims, the court awarded KES2.25 million
This case began nearly 10 years ago and involved 3,075 villagers. It is one of the biggest environmental compensation rulings in Kenya’s history. Many hope it will lead to better safety and responsibility from companies in the future.
By Vivian K.