As scrutiny over Kenya’s petroleum supply chain intensifies, the Senate Energy Committee has turned its attention to fuel quality oversight even as the Kenya Ports Authority laid out a detailed timeline of how MT Paloma was received, docked, and discharged at the Port of Mombasa.
The Authority on Wednesday maintained that its involvement ends at the point of berthing, while senators pressed for stronger safeguards on what enters the national fuel system.
Kenya Ports Authority explained that MT Paloma arrived at the outer anchorage on March 27, 2026, at 2:30 a.m., carrying 60,200.813 metric tonnes of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) as recorded in the cargo manifest submitted by Sturrock Shipping (Kenya) Limited.
“The pilot boarded the vessel at 1750 hours upon lodgment of the manifest, and the vessel was brought alongside KOT II at berth No. 1 at 2042 hours,” Capt. Ruto stated in the letter to the Senate Committee.
The Authority added that once the tanker is secured at Kipevu Oil Terminal II, responsibility for discharge shifts fully to Kenya Pipeline Company, separating port operations from fuel handling processes.
“Upon berthing of tanker vessels at KOT II, cargo discharge and all associated operations are undertaken by KPC. Accordingly, after berthing of vessels, KPA is not privy to all subsequent operations or actions that may be taken by the relevant Government Agencies,” the Authority explained, noting that the same procedure applied to MT Paloma.
The discharge of MT Paloma was completed on March 30, 2026, at 12:12 p.m., after which all dues were cleared and the vessel departed the port at 7:20 p.m.
Even as KPA defended its operational boundaries, senators expressed concern that gaps in oversight could expose the country to substandard fuel entering circulation.
Nominated Senator Veronica Maina questioned the effectiveness of current controls, raising doubts about the ability of existing systems to detect poor-quality products.
“We should stop substandard products from passing through the Kenya Pipeline system.”
She also raised concerns about regulatory approvals and enforcement, asking, “What system does Kenya Pipeline have to detect substandard products in the system?” and further challenged decision-making by stating, “Why should a Minister of Trade waive standards of petroleum products?”
She added, “Kenya Pipeline Company should uphold standards of petroleum products used in Kenya,”
Elgeyo Marakwet Senator William Kisang sought clarity on future supply stability, asking, “How many cargos are we expecting in the next 14 days as compared to last year such a time?”
Kenya Ports Authority General Manager Moses Taiwu reassured the committee that supply levels remain stable and disruptions are not expected.
“We have sufficient oil cargo ships docking in Mombasa in the next 14 days so we don’t have to face fuel shortages.”
Tana River Senator Danson Mungatana pushed for more advanced verification systems beyond paperwork checks, suggesting scientific testing of fuel before distribution.
“Instead of relying on manifest, can we establish an efficient laboratory to look at the quality of the petroleum products in the country?”
KPA further reported that between March 1 and April 12, 2026, it handled 19 tanker vessels carrying PMS, Automotive Gas Oil (AGO), and Jet A-1, including MT Tortuga, MT Wisteria, MT Lyric Magnolia, MT Lunaria, and MT Constantinos. Cargo volumes ranged from moderate consignments to shipments exceeding 100,000 metric tonnes, serving both local demand and transit markets.
“The quantities declared comprise both local and transit cargo,” Moses Taiwu noted.
The Authority credited improved efficiency to the Kipevu Oil Terminal II, which became operational in August 2022 and features three berths designed to handle multiple tankers simultaneously, reducing delays experienced in earlier years.
“This addressed delays and resultant demurrage costs previously attributed to the Authority. Tanker vessels now berth on arrival subject to fulfilling prerequisites set by other government agencies,” he said.
KPA maintained that it does not participate in fuel licensing, supply regulation, or quality assurance, emphasizing that these functions are assigned to other state agencies.
“Management of petroleum cargo supply, licensing and quality checks, as well as the country’s stock management, is not within the mandate of the Authority,” General Manager Eng. Taiwu said.
He dismissed concerns about congestion at the port, insisting that tanker movement remains smooth and well managed.
“Currently, there is no congestion attributed to tanker vessels at the Port.”
As the Senate Energy Committee continues its inspection program, lawmakers are expected to visit key facilities including KOT II, Shimanzi Oil Terminal, and Mbaraki Wharf to assess operations on the ground. The inquiry is increasingly focusing on whether Kenya’s current regulatory framework is strong enough to guarantee fuel quality from import to distribution.
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