State representatives exit KPC Board after privatisation

Two directors representing the government on the Board of Kenya Pipeline Company (KPC) have exited following the completion of the State corporation’s privatisation process.

In a public announcement issued on Tuesday, the company said Sharon Irungu-Asiyo and Mohamed Birik Mohamed ceased serving as directors effective April 22, 2026, after the revocation of KPC’s status as a National Government entity.

The changes follow the completion of the company’s privatisation under the Privatisation Act, 2025, and a subsequent legal notice by the National Treasury removing KPC from the list of State corporations.

“The Board of Directors of Kenya Pipeline Company PLC hereby notifies shareholders, the investing public, and all stakeholders of changes in the Board of Directors and Senior Management of the Company,” KPC said in the notice.

According to the company, Irungu-Asiyo had served as the Attorney General’s representative on the board, while Birik Mohamed represented the Principal Secretary in the State Department for Petroleum.

The two positions were initially required under Section 6 of the State Corporations Act after KPC had been classified as a National Government Entity through Legal Notice No. 33 of 2015.

However, following the completion of privatisation, the acting CEO of the Privatisation Authority, Jane Rose Omondi, confirmed the process through Gazette Notice No. 5804 issued under Section 53 of the Privatisation Act, 2025.

Subsequently, Treasury Cabinet Secretary John Mbadi issued Legal Notice No. 72 dated April 22, 2026, revoking KPC’s classification as a State entity.

“As a result, Sharon Irungu-Asiyo and Mohamed Birik Mohamed ceased to be directors of the company with effect from 22nd April 2026,” the statement said.

The board praised Irungu-Asiyo for what it described as distinguished service, particularly in strengthening governance and oversight structures within the company.

“As a member of the Board Audit Committee, she brought rigour, legal insight, and a keen eye for governance to the company’s oversight of financial reporting, internal controls, and risk management frameworks,” KPC said.

The company added that her role in the Board Technical Committee helped ensure infrastructure expansion and project decisions were anchored on “sound legal and commercial thinking.”

The board further described her as “a steady and principled voice in the boardroom” who consistently championed transparency and accountability.

Birik was similarly lauded for his contribution to the company’s human capital and technical oversight functions.

KPC said he played a key role in shaping the firm’s human resource strategy through the Board Nomination and Remuneration Committee and contributed significantly to pipeline operations and technical risk management through the Board Technical Committee.

“Throughout his tenure, Mohamed was a committed steward of the company’s interests and a bridge between the company and the government,” the board said.

The company credited him with helping steer KPC’s strategic direction and positioning it as “a regional energy leader.”