A grassroot rights group through their convenor Francis Awino has raised concerns over a proposed shift in Kenya’s fuel policy that could allow the importation of higher-sulphur fuel, warning that the move poses risks to public health and regulatory integrity.
In a press statement dated May 3, 2026, Mtetezi, the Grassroots Economic Justice Movement, expressed alarm over reports that the government is considering relaxing fuel quality standards to address potential supply shortages.
Awino noted that the proposed policy direction appears to contradict recent government actions, recalling that between March 20 and 25, 2026, a fuel consignment was rejected for failing to meet sulphur content standards.
“The incident led to the dismissal of senior officials, including those at the Ministry of Energy, the Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA) and the Kenya Pipeline Company (KPC),”added Awino.
Francis Awino questioned the apparent reversal, pointing out that the government had previously assured Parliament that fuel supply under the Government-to-Government (G2G) framework was sufficient and that quality standards were stable.
The group now wants clarity on what has changed to justify reconsidering fuel that had earlier been deemed substandard.
Among its key concerns, the rights group is seeking explanations on whether the earlier fuel crisis was genuine, whether Parliament may have been misled and whether the same rejected consignment is now being reconsidered for entry into the market.
Awino has called on Energy Cabinet Secretary Opiyo Wandayi and Trade Cabinet Secretary Lee Kinyanjui to provide answers within 72 hours, warning that failure to do so could trigger public demonstrations.
He further cautioned that any relaxation of fuel standards could have far-reaching consequences on public safety, consumer costs and institutional credibility, describing the move as a troubling policy contradiction.
