Kenya’s Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA) has confirmed that a small fraction of petrol stations continue to sell adulterated fuel, even as the regulator ramps up nationwide inspections.
In its Biannual Statistics Report 2025-2026, EPRA disclosed that out of over 2.27 billion litres of export fuel and 28 million litres of locally consumed kerosene marked during the review period, 23 stations were found violating fuel quality standards.
The authority’s monitoring shows that the highest volume of marked export fuel occurred in November 2025, with more than 459 million litres recorded.
EPRA also tested fuel at retail outlets, taking 10,598 samples from 2,305 stations across the country.
“The authority conducted 10,598 sample tests at 2,305 petroleum outlets across the country. Out of the tests carried out, 2,282 stations, equivalent to 99 per cent, were found to be compliant. However, 23 stations were non-compliant, and appropriate penalties were imposed as per the relevant legislation,” the report stated.
The non-compliant stations are spread across Nakuru, Uasin Gishu, Kisumu, Machakos, Makueni, Bungoma, Vihiga, Nyandarua, Kwale, Kilifi, Meru, and Mombasa counties.
EPRA monitors fuel quality through biochemical fuel marking, which helps detect adulteration or the misdirection of export fuels into the local market.
The regulator has also introduced mobile laboratories with X-ray fluorescence (XRF) analysers, capable of providing detailed results onsite in under five minutes.
These portable labs make it increasingly difficult for operators to sell tampered fuel without being detected.
Fuel adulteration has long troubled Kenya’s petroleum sector, with some dealers mixing kerosene into petrol or diesel, or diverting export-bound fuel for local sale.
Such practices damage engines and reduce vehicle performance, creating costs for motorists and businesses alike.
During the period under review, Kenya imported over 5.6 million cubic metres of petroleum products, with almost half intended for domestic consumption.
Domestic demand increased by 8.38 per cent to more than 3.1 million cubic metres, driven by higher travel and greater diesel use during festive seasons.
The report further notes that nearly 9,500 licenses were issued between July and December 2025. These cover retail, storage, and transport of petroleum products, as well as LPG distribution, reflecting EPRA’s efforts to regulate the sector comprehensively.