By Brian Kiprono - Reporter
Kenya ,December 31 2025 - Kenya’s fuel regulator, Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA), has moved to reassure motorists and businesses after uncovering a small but troubling number of cases involving adulterated fuel and the illegal sale of export-bound diesel in the local market.
In a public notice issued on Wednesday, the Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA) said the violations were detected during routine inspections carried out between October and December 2025 as part of its mandate under the Petroleum Act. The inspections are aimed at protecting consumers, safeguarding public safety and preserving government revenue.
EPRA revealed that its inspectors conducted 4,394 fuel quality tests at 967 petrol stations, depots and transport points across the country. The vast majority — 957 sites, representing 98.97 per cent — met the required standards. However, 10 sites were found to be non-compliant, prompting enforcement action.
The cases were recorded in several counties, including Nakuru, Taita Taveta, Kakamega, Makueni, Mombasa and Marsabit. Investigations showed that some outlets were selling diesel mixed with domestic kerosene, while others were handling high-sulphur diesel or fuel meant strictly for export.
In Nakuru’s Ngata area, a filling station was found selling diesel adulterated with kerosene. The station was later allowed to resume operations after upgrading its fuel stock and paying taxes and penalties amounting to Sh140,144. In contrast, a filling station in Kakamega was shut down after inspectors confirmed it had been offering adulterated diesel to motorists.
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Makueni County recorded a case where a petrol station was caught selling diesel intended for export within the local market. The operator paid penalties and taxes totalling Sh132,780 before reopening. In the coastal region, several trucks in Mombasa were impounded after being found ferrying export-bound diesel, with the matters now before court.
In northern Kenya, Marsabit County emerged as a hotspot for suspected smuggled fuel. Diesel with high sulphur content was found stored in jerrycans at multiple sites impounded at the Kenya Revenue Authority yard in Moyale. EPRA said investigations and court processes are ongoing.
While the number of offending sites was relatively low, EPRA warned that adulterated fuel poses serious risks, including engine damage, higher emissions and fire hazards. The authority also noted that fuel adulteration undermines fair trade and leads to loss of public revenue.
EPRA urged the public to remain vigilant and report suspected cases through its hotline (0709 366 000), USSD code *363#, or SMS number 40850, as it continues nationwide monitoring to keep Kenya’s fuel market safe and compliant.
