Energy Cabinet Secretary Opiyo Wandayi on Monday April 13 told Parliament that the 60000 metric tonnes of imported super petrol had been declared substandard following laboratory analysis.
Appearing before the National Assembly Energy Committee he explained that the findings were based on a load port report received by Kenya Pipeline Company.
According to Wandayi the state department for petroleum issued a waiver after certain parameters were found outside acceptable specifications under Kenyan fuel standards.
He said oxygen manganese sulphur and benzene levels exceeded limits set under KS EAS158:2025 prompting concerns about product quality and compliance.
Wandayi added that the consignment remained safe for use because it had not been released into the Kenyan market for distribution.
He further defended his ministry saying internal processes were underway to optimise oversight and ensure legal compliance at all times.
While responding to calls for his resignation Wandayi insisted ongoing investigations would establish whether any wrongdoing occurred within his docket.
The scandal triggered arrests of former Petroleum Principal Secretary Mohamed Liban, former EPRA Director General Daniel Kiptoo and former Kenya Pipeline Company Managing Director Joe Sang.
Directorate of Criminal Investigations officers also recovered about five hundred million shillings from properties linked to the three former officials.
Regulatory waiver questions
Parliamentary committee members questioned how a waiver was granted despite reported exceedances in key fuel parameters.
Wandayi told lawmakers that the waiver process was part of technical adjustments intended to ensure supply continuity.
He emphasized that no fuel was released to the domestic market without meeting final regulatory approval.
Energy sector analysts have called for stronger transparency in waiver issuance and documentation of fuel imports.
They argue that unclear exemptions can undermine public confidence in regulatory institutions.
Government officials maintain that corrective measures are being implemented to strengthen monitoring systems across all entry points.
The Energy Ministry says it remains committed to ensuring compliance with both national and regional fuel quality laws.
Public concern over fuel quality has grown in recent weeks following reports of inconsistencies in import documentation.
Civil society organizations are urging Parliament to increase oversight on petroleum procurement processes.
The scandal has also reignited debate on Kenya’s dependence on imported refined fuel products.
Experts note that global fuel markets often experience variability in chemical composition depending on source and refining standards.
However imported cargoes are still required to meet destination country specifications before distribution approval.
Regulators say they are enhancing testing capacity to prevent future compliance breaches.
The Energy Committee is expected to release further findings after reviewing additional technical submissions.
Industry stakeholders are also being consulted as part of broader reforms in the petroleum sector.
Authorities insist that all recovered evidence will be used to support ongoing prosecutions where necessary.
Kenya’s energy sector continues to face scrutiny as demand for accountability increases.
Officials say reforms are aimed at ensuring long term stability in fuel supply and pricing.
The government has urged calm stating that investigations will determine full responsibility.
Wandayi reiterated that Kenya’s fuel imports remain essential to national energy security.
He assured Parliament that corrective action will follow once the inquiry is concluded.
The incident highlights ongoing challenges in balancing supply needs with strict regulatory enforcement.
Authorities say lessons from the case will inform future policy and regulatory improvements.
Parliament is expected to continue its oversight role as investigations progress.
Public attention remains high as Kenyans await final conclusions from investigative agencies.
The Energy Ministry says it will publish updates once verification processes are complete.
Officials emphasize commitment to restoring trust in the fuel import system.
The government insists that reforms will strengthen oversight and prevent recurrence.
Investigations are ongoing and further announcements are expected.
Wandayi urged patience as authorities complete their work. He said transparency will guide the entire process.
Parliament continues reviewing the matter. Kenya awaits final regulatory decisions.
