When the Government established the Kenya Pipeline Company (KPC) in 1973, it was charged with the task of constructing a refined oil pipeline system and transporting the petroleum products from Mombasa to the hinterland. Extensively, through its Corporate Social Investment (CSI) wing, the company molded a peculiar niche on the volleyball pitch that has stood out and become a force to reckon with in Kenya, Africa and beyond. Delivering and nurturing exceptional talent in a quest to transform lives, KPC remains the premier talent centre.
The Kenya Pipeline Company (KPC) ladies’ volleyball team has over the years been the hub of successful women volleyball players who have plied their trade both for and in Kenya as well as other major clubs around the world.
Since formation in 1984, the in fatigable side remains the company’s signature initiative that has spanned decades of sporting excellence and through its numerous achievements in both local and international tournaments; it has distinctively positioned both Kenya Pipeline Company and the country on the world map.
For the last 39 years, Kenya Pipeline women’s volleyball Club, has without a doubt successfully supplied a pipeline of outstanding volleyball talent, navigated the contours of low and high competitions, packed a chest full of trophies both local and international and boasts of showcasing some of the most prosperous individual sporting talents in the country.
Kenya Pipeline Company Ag. Managing Director Joe Sang’s special mention of the team during the recent town hall epitomizes the accolades. “Our volleyball stars remain our top-notch brand ambassadors and when they fly the Kenyan flag during international competitions, it is not just KPC that takes pride, but Kenya as a nation of champions and achievers,” he said.
Consecutive wins…
The team recorded back-to-back victories at the African Club Championship events of 1995 (in Kenya), 1996 (Nigeria), 1999 (Tunisia), 2001 (Algeria), 2002 (Senegal), 2004 (Senegal), 2005 (Algeria) and several runners-up positions to become one of the formidable volleyball sides in the continent.
In the just concluded 2022 National Volleyball League season (October 2021 – January 2023), the team won all the 5 matches to be crowned the National League Champions.
By topping the National league chart, the team has qualified for the 2023 Africa Continental Club Championship, while 3 players have turned professionals: Noel Murambi in Cyprus, Veronicah Adhiambo in Turkey and Violet Makuto in the UAE.
To crown it all, beginning of the Financial Year (FY 2023 – 2024) the team will now be hosted under the Club and KPC will be the main sponsor of the club. This approach has been successfully adopted by other competitors locally and internationally.
KPC’s involvement in sports is twofold; first, as a way of giving back to society, and second, as a brand ambassador for brand KPC.
The ladies are regularly involved in several CSI activities such as mentoring young players in schools, tree planting amongst other charitable activities.
Recruitment of players is meritocratic and is predicated on performance. The technical bench comprising of the Coach, Assistant Coach, Team Doctor and Team Manager appraise the potential player and make recommendation to Human Resource Development for engagement.
Nurturing sporting talent…
Besides volleyball, KPC through its social responsibility initiatives, support other sporting activities such as marathons, cycling and community football across the country. The aim is to grow and nurture sporting talent across Kenya.
KPC management continuously reviews matters of the team to ensure that it remains competitive. Through its unique initiative of embracing and empowering the girl child through volleyball, KPC has distinguished itself as an organization that identifies recruits and nurtures sports talent to full potential.
In living its corporate motto; ‘transforming lives’, KPC has literally transformed young inexperienced lives into world class champions.