The Ministry of Energy and Petroleum has assured the public that the petroleum sector remains stable despite recent resignations and an ongoing probe into a controversial fuel shipment, even as scrutiny intensifies over supply and pricing concerns.
In a statement on Sunday, Energy Cabinet Secretary Opiyo Wandayi said the government had already taken precautionary measures after details of the shipment under investigation emerged, including halting a second cargo.
“When full information about the fuel shipment that is the subject of investigations emerged, we stopped the delivery of a second cargo under similar circumstances, thus protecting and securing public interest,” he said.
Wandayi reassured Kenyans that fuel supply remains sufficient, noting, “We further wish to reassure the public that there are sufficient stocks of petroleum products to meet current demand.”
He added that the government remains committed to “ensuring an uninterrupted supply of quality petroleum products for both Kenya and regional markets,” emphasizing that the G-to-G fuel procurement framework “remains stable and resilient.”
The CS also disclosed a significant price difference between two fuel shipments.
According to the ministry, invoices from One Petroleum for PMS delivered via MT Paloma indicated a landed cost of Sh198,855 per metric ton, compared to Sh140,111 per metric ton for G-to-G supplies handled by Gulf Energy via MT FOS Mercury.
“This difference of Sh58,744 per metric ton between the One Petroleum cargo and the G-2-G cargo works out to Sh43.4 per liter, with the G-to-G cargo being cheaper by that amount,” he said.
The ministry has also launched a comprehensive internal review of petroleum management systems to enhance transparency and safeguard quality.
Wandayi warned against “cartels, profiteers, or extortionists” seeking to exploit the situation and criticized “a campaign of disinformation orchestrated by a section of political leaders.”
He urged patience as investigations continue, assuring that further updates will be provided.
The exits, confirmed in a letter issued on April 4, 2026, by Felix Koskei on behalf of William Ruto, included Petroleum Principal Secretary Mohamed Liban,EPRA Director General Daniel Kiptoo Bargoria and Kenya Pipeline Company Managing Director Joe Sang.
“The President has received the resignation of Mr Mohamed Liban as Petroleum Principal Secretary, alongside the exit of Kenya Pipeline Company Managing Director Joe Sang and EPRA Director General Daniel Kiptoo Bargoria, following decisions by their respective boards,” the letter stated.
The departures come amid investigations into how a fuel consignment entered the Kenyan market under questionable circumstances.
Authorities have since launched internal disciplinary processes targeting additional officials, including Deputy Director Joseph Wafula and Supply and Logistics Manager Joel Mburu.
The probe intensified after the Directorate of Criminal Investigations arrested four senior officials linked to the importation and distribution of substandard fuel.
Investigators revealed that the shipment, carried aboard the MV Paloma, was initially destined for Angola before being diverted to the Port of Mombasa and released into the local supply chain.
Preliminary findings indicated the fuel, reportedly sourced from Saudi Aramco, may have been overpriced by more than Sh4 billion and failed to meet Kenya’s quality standards, raising concerns over both consumer safety and financial losses.