The Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA) has shut down nine fuel stations across Kenya in an ongoing effort to curb the sale of adulterated fuel and the unauthorized distribution of export-bound petroleum products in the local market.
In a public notice released on Monday, March 31, 2025, EPRA disclosed that between January and March 2025, it had carried out 5,978 fuel quality tests at 1,360 sites to assess compliance with regulatory standards.
Following the inspections, the authority identified 13 fuel stations that failed to meet the required standards.
“During the period January – March 2025, a total of 5,978 tests were conducted at 1,360 petroleum sites. From the tests, 1,347 sites, representing 99.04 percent, were compliant. However, tests from 13 sites, constituting 0.96 percent, did not meet the required standards,” the statement noted.
Of the 13 flagged stations, three were allowed to resume operations after addressing compliance issues, including upgrading their fuel quality and settling taxes and penalties. The remaining nine stations will remain closed until they fulfill regulatory requirements.
Fuel Stations Ordered to Shut Down
EPRA’s investigation found that the nine closed stations were either selling adulterated fuel—mixing petroleum with unauthorized substances—or distributing export-bound fuel domestically, both of which violate fuel quality regulations.
One of the affected stations, Ahero Stage Filling Station in Kisumu, was found selling super petrol mixed with domestic kerosene. Wamuini Filling Station in Trans Nzoia and Mungatsi Filling Station in Busia were flagged for selling export-bound diesel and super petrol, respectively. Miami Energy Filling Station in Kajiado was also found distributing diesel mixed with kerosene.
Additional stations shut down include Wangu Filling Station in Murang’a, Sofla Energy Service Station in Maragua, and Kobodo Filling Station in Homa Bay, all of which were found to be selling adulterated fuel.
Separately, an unlicensed fuel storage facility in Mazeras, Kilifi, was discovered hoarding adulterated diesel in drums. Authorities arrested individuals linked to the illegal operation, and investigations are ongoing.
Repeat Offenders Identified
The crackdown also revealed two stations that had previously been found in violation of fuel regulations. Lowisa Oil Filling Station in Kiritiri, Embu County, was allowed to resume operations after paying a penalty of Ksh306,092, while El Bethel Filling Station in Marsabit remains closed.
Fuel Stations Allowed to Reopen
Among the stations cleared to resume operations was Kamarusso Filling Station in Kabiemit, Nandi County, which had initially been shut down for selling export-designated diesel. The station was reopened after settling taxes and penalties amounting to Ksh111,025.
Hass Petroleum Garissa Junction Service Station, which had been flagged for selling adulterated kerosene, also reopened after paying Ksh148,507 in taxes and penalties.
EPRA’s Commitment to Fuel Standards
EPRA emphasized its unwavering stance on fuel quality enforcement, warning that any station found engaging in non-compliant practices would face fines, closures, and possible prosecution.
The regulatory body reiterated that the crackdown aligns with Section 92 of the Petroleum Act 2019, which mandates continuous monitoring of fuel quality to prevent adulteration and unauthorized resale of export-bound fuels.
“The Authority undertakes continuous quality monitoring of petroleum motor fuels on sale, transport, and storage across the country to curb fuel adulteration and prevent the diversion of export-designated fuels,” EPRA stated.
The agency reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring consumers access high-quality fuel and maintaining integrity within Kenya’s petroleum sector.