“There Is No Fuel Shortage”: Energy CS Opiyo Wandayi Assures Kenyans of Stable Fuel Supply and Energy Security

 By Gedion Nzyoki -

• Energy Cabinet Secretary Opiyo Wandayi has assured Kenyans that the country’s fuel supply remains stable despite volatility in global oil markets.
• The government, through the Ministry of Energy and Petroleum, defended the G2G fuel import framework, saying it has helped stabilise supply chains and shield consumers from severe price shocks.
• The CS also revealed that the country is exploring long-term energy security plans, including regional refinery development and diversification of fuel import sources.

Nairobi, Kenya | May 29, 2026 — The government, through the Ministry of Energy and Petroleum, has assured Kenyans that the country’s fuel supply remains stable and secure despite ongoing volatility in global energy markets. 

Energy Cabinet Secretary Opiyo Wandayi addresses the media on fuel supply stability and the path ahead. Photo: Opiyo Wandayi/Facebook.

Energy and Petroleum Cabinet Secretary Opiyo Wandayi defended the government-to-government (G2G) fuel import framework, describing it as a key safeguard against supply disruptions and sharp increases in fuel prices.

“The Government remains fully committed to ensuring reliable, accessible, and affordable energy for all Kenyans. Kenya’s priority is clear: keep fuel flowing, keep the economy moving, and protect citizens from unnecessary shocks,” Wandayi said.

Speaking during a Friday morning press briefing in Nairobi, Wandayi assured Kenyans that fuel shipments into the country remain on schedule, with storage facilities maintaining stable reserves and distribution across the country continuing without disruption.

The former Ugunja Constituency Member of Parliament also dismissed concerns over a possible national fuel shortage, stating that operations at the Port of Mombasa and inland fuel depots remain fully functional and are being closely monitored through institutionalised spot checks.

“On supply, Kenya remains secure. Fuel continues to arrive as scheduled, storage levels are stable, and distribution across the country is ongoing without interruption. There is no national shortage, and systems at the Port of Mombasa and inland depots continue to operate normally. We have institutionalised spot checks at all levels of storage and supply to ensure full compliance,” he added.

The Energy and Petroleum Cabinet Secretary explained that recent fluctuations in fuel prices are largely driven by global oil market dynamics beyond the control of any single country. He noted that Kenya’s fuel pricing mechanism is designed to cushion consumers from sudden and sharp increases by gradually absorbing the impact of international price changes.

Wandayi further emphasised that the government-to-government (G2G) fuel import framework has played a critical role in strengthening and stabilising Kenya’s fuel supply chain. According to him, the arrangement has reduced the country’s reliance on unpredictable spot market purchases, particularly during periods of global uncertainty, thereby ensuring a more consistent fuel supply and improved energy security.

The Cabinet Secretary further explained that the G2G arrangement has enabled Kenya to expand and diversify its fuel import sources. He noted that the country is now able to receive fuel cargoes from a wider range of international markets, including Europe, the United States Gulf Coast, India, and the Red Sea region.

According to Wandayi, this diversification has significantly strengthened Kenya’s energy security by reducing overdependence on a single supply route. As a result, the country is better protected from disruptions in one region because alternative supply channels remain available to ensure continuity.

Wandayi also pointed out that Kenya has managed to maintain relatively stable freight and premium costs under the G2G framework. He said these costs have remained within a predictable range of between USD 78 and USD 97 per tonne under pre-agreed contractual arrangements, helping shield the country from the higher and more volatile charges experienced in open spot markets.

In contrast, Wandayi noted that countries relying on open spot market purchases have experienced significantly higher costs, with freight and premium charges rising sharply to between USD 250 and USD 300 per tonne over the same period.

He further observed that there are early signs of easing pressure in global energy markets, driven by improved supply routing and shifting demand patterns. However, he cautioned that the global oil market remains highly unpredictable and that continued vigilance is necessary as conditions could change rapidly.

“In the fullness of time, as global conditions stabilise, Kenyans can expect the benefits to be felt progressively through this system. In the long term, plans are also underway to establish our own refineries within the region,” the CS said.

The former lawmaker further revealed that the government is exploring long-term strategies aimed at strengthening Kenya’s energy security, including plans to establish regional oil refineries. He said the initiative forms part of a broader effort to reduce dependence on external refining capacity and enhance the country’s resilience in the energy sector.

The Ministry of Energy and Petroleum stated that it will continue engaging key stakeholders across the entire energy value chain, including manufacturers, oil marketing companies, transport and logistics operators, distributors, and sector regulators. The ministry added that it remains committed to maintaining open communication with the public and providing regular updates on developments affecting the energy and fuel sector.