Petition filed for removal of Kenya Pipeline Company board Chair Faith Boinett

In the petition filed against Boinett, Acting Managing Director Pius Mwendwa, Treasury Cabinet Secretary John Mbadi and several other respondents, the union argues that Boinett’s appointment and continued service as KPC Board Chair was unlawful because she allegedly did not undergo the competitive recruitment process required under the new Government Owned Enterprises Act and was allegedly disqualified by conflict of interest.

KPOWU through senior counsel Nelson Havi further claims that Boinett is a shareholder and director of Fastnett Energy Limited, a company that has an existing transport and storage agreement with Kenya Pipeline Company, creating what it describes as a conflict between her private interests and public duties.

The union also contends that although KPC ceased to be a National Government Entity in April 2026 following its transition into a public limited company, the respondents have continued making strategic decisions despite allegedly serving only as a caretaker board pending the constitution of a substantive board. It challenges decisions including the recruitment of a managing director, restructuring initiatives and the proposed outsourcing of the company’s staff medical scheme.

According to the petition, the proposed changes to the staff medical cover are intended to replace the existing internal medical scheme with an external provider without transparency and against the interests of employees. The union says it had previously written to the KPC Board, the Cabinet Secretary for Energy and the Cabinet Secretary for the National Treasury raising these concerns but no action was taken.

KPOWU is asking the High Court to declare Boinett’s appointment unconstitutional, quash the decision appointing her as Board Chair, restrain her from continuing to serve in that position or as a director, nullify strategic decisions made after April 22, 2026, and stop any further recruitment of a managing director pending the hearing of the case. It is also seeking orders restraining KPC from downgrading or outsourcing the existing staff medical scheme.

The petition has since been certified as urgent by the High Court. Justice David Mburu directed that the application and petition be served immediately, ordered the respondents to file their responses within seven days of service, and granted the petitioner leave to file a rejoinder within three days after receiving the responses. The matter will be mentioned on July 29, 2026, to confirm compliance and for further directions.

The union has also asked the High Court to certify the petition as raising substantial constitutional questions and refer it to the Chief Justice for the empanelment of a bench of at least three judges to hear and determine the matter.