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.

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The anticipated price hike comes on the heels of a significant increase in fuel prices in neighboring Tanzania, which recently raised its prices by more than 30 percent. This regional shift adds pressure on Kenya, which lacks strategic fuel reserves and relies heavily on continuous imports to meet its energy needs. Chomba emphasized the vulnerability of the supply chain, stating, “We do not have reserves. Today, we would have a big crisis if no ship docked at the Port of Mombasa.”

Smaller, rural fuel retailers, who account for a substantial portion of the country’s fuel supply, are reporting limited access to fuel. Approximately 68 percent of fuelling points in Kenya are operated by these smaller retailers, who provide 40-45 percent of the country’s throughput of petroleum. The challenges faced by these retailers could exacerbate the situation as prices rise.

As the Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA) prepares to announce new fuel prices, the backdrop of a controversial fuel shipment continues to loom large. This scandal has led to the arrest and resignation of senior officials within the Ministry of Energy, further complicating the public’s trust in the energy sector. The ongoing investigations into this fuel deal have sparked public outrage and intensified scrutiny of procurement processes within Kenya’s energy sector.

Details remain unconfirmed regarding the exact impact of global oil market volatility on local prices. However, the upcoming EPRA announcement is expected to provide clarity on the new pricing structure. The situation remains fluid, and stakeholders are closely monitoring developments.

Isaac Mwaura, a government official, attempted to reassure the public, stating, “There is no cause for alarm as we are dealing with the situation as it is as a government.” Yet, with the potential for significant price increases and ongoing supply chain issues, many Kenyans remain apprehensive about the future of fuel availability and affordability.

As the April 14 announcement approaches, the implications of these changes will likely resonate throughout the economy, affecting transportation costs and the prices of goods and services across the board. The government and relevant authorities are under pressure to address these challenges effectively to mitigate the impact on consumers.

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EPRA has stated that companies found hoarding petroleum products will face a minimum fine of Sh1 million or imprisonment of at least one year, or both. This warning underscores the seriousness of the regulatory body’s stance on maintaining market integrity and ensuring that consumers have access to fuel at fair prices.

Further, OMCs that are found to be selling fuel above the approved wholesale prices risk incurring fines of at least Sh10 million or facing jail terms of up to five years. EPRA’s enforcement actions will include prosecution and the revocation of operating licenses for non-compliant firms.

Some oil marketing companies have been reported to charge ex-depot prices that exceed the regulated caps, which constitutes a breach of the Petroleum Act. EPRA has indicated that this behavior is unacceptable and will not be tolerated.

According to EPRA, the country is currently well-stocked with fuel, with significant quantities available at various storage facilities. For instance, the Kipevu Oil Storage facility holds 29,648 cubic metres of super petrol, 37,291 cubic metres of diesel, and 60,977 cubic metres of jet fuel.

Kenya Pipeline Company operates a pipeline network spanning 1,342 kilometres and boasts a cumulative storage capacity of one billion litres. This infrastructure is crucial for ensuring a steady supply of fuel across the nation.

EPRA has reassured the public that there is sufficient fuel available in all terminals and depots, and that the products meet both national and international quality standards as prescribed by relevant certification bodies.

Despite these assurances, the situation remains tense as some companies are reportedly withholding supplies in anticipation of price changes, which EPRA categorizes as hoarding. This practice could lead to further regulatory scrutiny and enforcement actions.

As the situation develops, the regulatory authority’s commitment to maintaining fair pricing and availability of fuel will be closely monitored. Details remain unconfirmed regarding the full extent of compliance among oil marketing companies and the potential repercussions for those found in violation of the regulations.

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What does the recent announcement by Kenya Power regarding scheduled power interruptions in Kisumu and Nyeri counties signify for local residents? The answer is that these outages are part of ongoing maintenance and regulatory efforts to improve the reliability of electricity supply in the region.

On April 6, 2026, Kenya Power will implement power outages in Kisumu County, specifically affecting the Wachara area from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. This blackout will impact several key locations, including Wachara Primary School, Wachara Secondary School, and Wachara Market. Meanwhile, in Nyeri County, the power interruption will occur from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., affecting areas within Mwanda and Jambo.

The decision to schedule these outages comes amid broader challenges faced by Kenya Power, including issues of unlawful disconnections and vandalism of electricity supply. Recently, two individuals, Godwin Omondi Oduogi and David Ochieng Lang’o, were sentenced to ten years in prison for their involvement in unlawful disconnections and vandalism-related offenses, respectively. Each was also fined 5 million Ksh.

In the backdrop of these developments, Dr. Eng. Joseph Oketch was appointed as the Director General of the Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA) just a day before the scheduled outages. Dr. Oketch previously served as EPRA’s Director for Electricity and Renewable Energy, and his new role may influence future regulatory measures in the energy sector.

President William Ruto has also been vocal about the need for reform in the energy sector, warning that “no one will be spared” in the government’s efforts to dismantle networks manipulating fuel supply. This statement underscores the seriousness of the government’s stance against corruption and irregularities within the energy sector.

Despite these challenges, Kenya’s fuel supply remains secure, which is crucial for maintaining stability in the energy market and ensuring that consumers have access to necessary resources. The ongoing investigations into fuel supply irregularities are expected to yield further insights into the operational integrity of the energy sector.

As Kenya Power continues to navigate these challenges, the scheduled outages on April 6 will serve as a reminder of the complexities involved in managing electricity supply in the country. Residents in the affected areas are advised to prepare accordingly and stay informed about any further developments.

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