Questions are mounting over how Kenya manages its fuel imports after economist Odhiambo Ramogi raised concerns about transparency and decision-making, warning that silence from authorities is deepening public doubt despite gains made under the government-to-government fuel deal.
Speaking during a Radio Generation interview on Friday, Ramogi acknowledged that the G-to-G arrangement introduced in 2023 had helped stabilise both fuel supply and the country’s foreign exchange pressures. However, he cautioned that recent developments suggest deeper governance issues within the energy sector that need urgent attention.
“So I agree with you that the G to G agreement has stabilized fuel supply, and has helped us to stabilize the fluctuations of the Forex foreign exchange in the country,” he said, answering to his host.
Kenya entered into agreements with Middle East suppliers, including Saudi Aramco, to secure fuel on credit and ease pressure on dollar reserves. The deal has also lowered logistical costs such as insurance and freight, helping keep pump prices relatively manageable.
“The arrangement between Kenya government and Saudi Arabia ensured that we also got a cheaper premium in terms of insurance, cheaper freight, and so fuel becomes relatively cheaper, not because we are being offered fuel more cheaply in the international markets, but because the logistics are more affordable and more reliable,” he said.
Despite these gains, Ramogi raised concern over reports that firms outside the G-to-G framework had been allowed to bring in fuel at higher costs, questioning the basis and approval of such decisions.
He said the issue goes beyond the identity of the companies involved and instead points to whether the decisions made serve the interests of ordinary Kenyans.
“For me, the question is, is it working? Is it serving Kenyans the way it should? Is it making sure that you can go to the pump and get fuel at relatively cheaper rates?” he said.
According to him, introducing more expensive imports risks eroding the benefits achieved under the existing arrangement, especially if the original supply system is still working as intended.
“Our fuel hikes would naturally be informed by the changes in demand globally, not logistics. So why then are we engaging someone else?” he asked.
Kenya’s fuel sector has long faced challenges around pricing, supply management and oversight, with agencies like the Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority and the Kenya Pipeline Company tasked with regulating quality, pricing and distribution.
Ramogi stressed that fuel importation is a tightly controlled process, making any irregular activity difficult to overlook. He argued that such decisions could not happen without the involvement of senior government officials, including those in charge of trade and energy.
“The political responsibility lies squarely on the CS and the accounting on the PS,” he said, questioning why key officials had not publicly addressed the issue.
He also criticised the lack of clear communication from authorities, warning that silence only fuels speculation and mistrust.
“When duty bearers go awfully quiet, it says a lot more than when they are talking,” he said.
On claims that some imported fuel may be substandard, Ramogi dismissed the concerns, pointing to strict inspection systems that ensure all fuel meets required standards before being offloaded.
“The ship doesn’t offload anything before it is determined that it meets the standards of the country,” he said.
“It means the fuel is thoroughly tested and approved to meet required standards” he added.
He said the confusion around quality claims further highlights a broader lack of clarity in how information is shared with the public.
“In the absence of clarity, people allow their imaginations to roam,” he said, linking the current debate to a wider pattern where limited transparency in state deals weakens public trust.
As Kenya continues to depend on imported fuel, scrutiny of the G-to-G agreement and procurement decisions is expected to remain high. For consumers already dealing with high fuel prices, Ramogi said the main concern is whether policy choices are delivering real relief.
“For me, the governance question is, why are we allowing more expensive fuel that affects me,” he said.
His remarks add to growing calls for accountability in the energy sector, as pressure builds on authorities to explain how key decisions are made and who takes responsibility.
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