Mohamed Jaffer, a prominent tycoon from Mombasa, faces significant scrutiny following the importation of non-compliant fuel by his company, One Petroleum Limited. The incident occurred on April 19, 2026, when the tanker docked at the port. This development has raised alarms regarding fuel quality and pricing in Kenya.
One Petroleum imported a cargo priced at Sh198,000 per tonne. This price significantly exceeds the government-to-government (G2G) rate of Sh140,000 per tonne. The cargo was chemically non-compliant, containing high levels of manganese, sulphur, and benzene. The emergency import authorization for this shipment was signed just two days prior to its arrival.
The total invoice for the cargo amounted to Sh11.8 billion. This figure represents a Sh3.4 billion difference compared to a compliant consignment. Such inflated pricing transfers a substantial financial burden onto Kenyan consumers—one that raises concerns about market manipulation.
Jaffer has controlled more than 90% of Kenya’s imported LPG market through his Mombasa terminal. His influence in the industry is well-documented; his family’s business legacy dates back to a trading office established in Zanzibar in 1860. However, recent developments have placed him under scrutiny by both officials and the public.
On October 20, 2023, President William Ruto honored Jaffer for his contributions to the economy. Yet this recognition contrasts sharply with current allegations against him and One Petroleum. Critics like Martha Karua have voiced concerns: “There is no way something of that magnitude happens under his watch and he doesn’t know.”
The situation is further complicated by claims that the shortage of compliant fuel was artificially created. Ledama Ole Kina stated that “the shortage was manufactured on paper by people with the power to alter fuel stock data and the incentive to do so.” This assertion suggests deeper systemic issues within the regulatory framework governing fuel imports.
Kenya’s LPG consumption reached approximately 414,861 metric tonnes in FY2024/25—up from just 148,600 metric tonnes a decade earlier. Projections indicate that demand could surge to 589,000 metric tonnes by 2029. These figures highlight not only the growing energy needs of the nation but also the critical importance of compliance in meeting those needs.
The fallout from this incident continues to unfold as officials investigate the implications for Jaffer’s business operations and regulatory practices in Kenya’s energy sector. While details remain unconfirmed regarding further actions against One Petroleum or its leadership, public sentiment appears increasingly skeptical of Jaffer’s business ethics.
