Authorities in Marsabit County have intercepted a large-scale fuel smuggling operation, confiscating more than 35,000 litres of illicit petroleum products in Moyale.
The crackdown targeted networks moving untaxed fuel across the Kenya–Ethiopia border, bypassing safety checks and denying the government revenue.
The operation was coordinated by the Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (Epra) under the supervision of deputy director Major Augustine Ouma.
It involved close collaboration with the Energy Police Unit, Border Patrol Unit, and other enforcement teams, who acted on intelligence that identified a smuggling cartel exploiting porous border routes.
Three suspects were apprehended during the mission and are being held at Moyale police station as investigations continue ahead of their court appearance.
"In a high-level multi-agency operation conducted in Moyale, Marsabit County, our ever vigilant Surveillance and Enforcement team has today seized over 35,000 litres of smuggled petroleum products being trafficked into the country through porous border routes," the authority confirmed.
Epra said the illegal trade has disrupted the legitimate fuel market, making it difficult for licensed dealers to compete.
“Illegal fuel trafficking is shutting down licensed fuel stations, denying government revenue, and exposing Kenyans to unsafe products. We will continue dismantling these networks, and every offender will face full legal consequences,” Ouma added.
The authority noted that untaxed and unregulated fuel has led to unfair pricing and forced some legal operators to scale down or close due to losses caused by smuggler-supplied products sold cheaply.
Authorities also highlighted the dangers associated with illegal petroleum. Substandard fuel can damage engines, create fire hazards during storage and transport, and harm the environment.
Epra, mandated to oversee the import, refining, storage, transportation, and sale of petroleum products, ensures that all fuel in the market meets safety and quality standards while protecting government revenue and market stability.
It also regulates fuel prices, issuing monthly reviews to safeguard consumers and maintain a sustainable supply chain.
This latest seizure is part of ongoing national efforts by Epra to combat cartels and restore confidence in the energy sector. The agency warned that illegal operators face arrest and prosecution, while assuring the public that enforcement activities will continue across the country.
"Epra remains steadfast in safeguarding Kenya’s energy sector, and assures the public of continuous nationwide enforcement to protect consumers, secure revenue, and uphold industry standards," the statement concluded.
