PS, EPRA and KPC Bosses Resign Over Fuel Scandal

Petroleum PS Mohamed Liban has stepped down alongside the Director General of the Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA), Daniel Kiptoo Bargoria, and the Managing Director of the Kenya Pipeline Company (KPC), Joe Sang.

The resignations follow revelations of alleged irregularities in the country’s fuel supply chain, including claims that senior officials manipulated data on fuel stocks to create the impression of a looming shortage.

“This egregious misrepresentation appears to have been designed to exploit rising global prices and public anxiety,” the government said in the statement from the Executive Office of the President.

Authorities say the alleged falsification led to the controversial procurement of an emergency fuel shipment by the Ministry of Energy and Petroleum. The cargo was reportedly acquired outside the established Government-to-Government (G2G) fuel supply framework, at inflated prices, and was found to be of substandard quality.

The G2G arrangement, introduced in 2023, has been credited with stabilizing fuel supply and prices following the 2022 crisis that saw long queues at petrol stations across the country.

Despite the system ensuring steady supply through international firms such as Aramco Trading Fujairah and ADNOC Global Trading Ltd, the government now says internal actors may have undermined its integrity.

President William Ruto has ordered a full-scale inquiry into the matter, describing the allegations as a serious breach of public trust and a potential economic crime.

“These actions may amount to economic sabotage and will be met with firm and decisive action,” the statement added.

Investigative agencies have already arrested key individuals linked to the scandal, with further probes underway. Additional disciplinary measures have also been initiated against other officials within the State Department for Petroleum and KPC.

Chief of Staff and Head of Public Service Felix K. Koskei said the government is committed to ensuring accountability and restoring confidence in the energy sector.

Further updates are expected as investigations continue, including possible corrective measures to reverse the irregular fuel procurement and align operations with the G2G framework.