Lawmakers wants digital system to track fuel stocks
The system is expected to provide real-time information on fuel stocks and imports, helping the government monitor supply levels and respond faster to disruptions.
Kenya's Senate Energy Committee has urged the Ministry of Energy and Petroleum to develop and implement a digital system for real-time tracking of fuel stocks as part of efforts to enhance fuel security in the country. The Ministry, along with key agencies such as Kenya Pipeline Company (KPC), Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA), and Kenya Bureau of Standards (KEBS), has been given six months to present a report on the progress made in developing this system.
The proposed platform aims to furnish real-time data on fuel inventories and imports, enabling the government to monitor supply levels more effectively and respond swiftly to any disruptions.
The committee is seeking comprehensive data on fuel stocks, imports, and allocations from oil marketing companies to be made available to oversight bodies. Additionally, the committee has recommended standardising daily petroleum stock reports into a uniform format, including on weekends and public holidays, to mitigate information gaps during supply disruptions.
These recommendations arise from a Senate inquiry into suspected irregularities in Kenya’s petroleum supply chain, particularly following emergency fuel procurement in March 2026 prompted by disruptions to marine traffic in the Strait of Hormuz, which impacted fuel deliveries to Kenya.
The committee identified weaknesses in the supply chain, including concerns over competition, transparency, documentation, and accountability during the emergency procurement. The procurement was executed outside the established Government-to-Government framework without a documented derogation mechanism or pre-approved emergency procurement procedure.
Consequently, the Ministry of Energy is mandated to create and implement a statutory framework for emergency petroleum procurement within six months. This framework is intended to outline the situations that would precipitate a fuel supply emergency, delineate the roles of government agencies, prescribe approval processes, specify conditions for regulatory waivers and exemptions, and establish requirements for transparency and disclosure. Furthermore, it must facilitate audits and post-emergency procurement reviews.
Moreover, the committee emphasized the necessity for stronger collaboration among agencies involved in the petroleum sector to ensure that their emergency response protocols are harmonized. These measures are intended to bolster the government's capacity to monitor fuel supplies, address shortages promptly, and enhance accountability within the petroleum supply chain.
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