The Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA) has flagged five petrol stations across Kenya for selling substandard or export-bound fuels locally, following nationwide inspections between January and March 2026.
Out of 2,713 fuel quality tests conducted at 758 sites, 753 sites met the required standards, while five sites, accounting for 0.66 per cent, failed.
“During the period January to March 2026, a total of 2,713 tests were conducted at 758 petroleum sites. From the tests, 753, equivalent to 99.34 per cent, were compliant. However, tests from five sites, 0.66 per cent, turned out to be non-compliant,” the authority said in a public notice.
One station in Elgeyo Marakwet was found selling petrol and diesel adulterated with domestic kerosene.
The Authority said the Asis Energy in Kapkayo was reopened after upgrading its products and paying taxes and penalties amounting to Sh101,638.
Another suspected illegal fuel site in Habaswein, Wajir, was found selling diesel with high sulphur. The fuel was impounded, and the matter is in court.
An ex-illegal fuel site in Matuga, Kwale County, was also found selling diesel meant for export. EPRA said it impounded the fuel, and the case is ongoing.
Green Wells Energies in Kisumu CBD offered kerosene meant for export but has since reopened after paying taxes and penalties of Sh435,100.
Plateau Filling Station in Murungaru, Nyandarua County, was caught selling adulterated diesel with domestic kerosene and remains closed.
The Authority has urged the public to report suspected cases of fuel adulteration or export dumping via its hotline (0709 366 000), USSD code (*363#), or SMS service (40850).
A full list of non-compliant sites is also available on its website, www.epra.go.ke.
While the number of offenders is small, the recent EPRA’s report shows that fuel adulteration remains a concern.
Its Biannual Statistics Report for 2025–2026 reveal that 10,598 samples were collected from 2,305 petrol stations nationwide, with 2,282 stations, equivalent to 99 per cent, compliant, and 23 stations non-compliant.
Affected outlets were spread across Nakuru, Uasin Gishu, Kisumu, Machakos, Makueni, Bungoma, Vihiga, Nyandarua, Kwale, Kilifi, Meru and Mombasa.
The Authority emphasised that it continues to use fuel marking technology to detect tampering, adding chemical markers to identify altered or diverted fuel. Mobile testing units with advanced analysers also provide near-forensic analysis on site, making it difficult for illegal operators to evade detection.
Fuel adulteration, which often involves mixing kerosene into petrol or diesel, poses risks to vehicle engines and performance. Despite these challenges, the high compliance rates suggest progress in regulating the sector.
Kenya’s fuel demand also continues to rise. During the review period, the country imported over 5.6 million cubic metres of petroleum, nearly half for domestic consumption.
Local use grew by over eight per cent to more than 3.1 million cubic metres, driven by higher travel and diesel consumption during festive periods.
Licensing activity also increased, with nearly 9,500 licences issued between July and December 2025 for fuel retail, liquefied petroleum gas distribution, transport and storage operations.
EPRA reaffirmed its commitment to strict monitoring, warning that non-compliant operators will face penalties.
The regulator is mandated under Section 92 of the Petroleum Act 2019 to monitor petroleum products offered for sale in the local market, to prevent fuel adulteration or the dumping of export-bound products.
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