Three senior officials in Kenya’s energy sector have resigned amid ongoing investigations into suspected manipulation of fuel supply data and controversial emergency purchases of petroleum products.
In a statement issued on Saturday, April 4, Head of Public Service Felix Koskei confirmed that the resignations include Mohamed Liban, Joe Sang, and Daniel Kiptoo Bargoria.
According to Koskei, the resignations followed arrests conducted on April 2 when investigators connected these officials to alleged irregularities in fuel supply documentation.
The statement indicates that authorities suspect false fuel inventory data was presented to suggest the nation was experiencing an impending fuel shortage.
The government has launched investigations into irregularities within the petroleum products distribution chain. The full statement is provided below.
This serious misrepresentation reportedly resulted in the improper acquisition of an emergency fuel shipment by the Ministry of Energy and Petroleum,” Koskei stated.
The key individuals implicated consist of the Principal Secretary for Petroleum, the Director General of the Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority, and the Managing Director of the Kenya Pipeline Company.
The investigation is examining how the purported misinformation may have influenced the government’s decision to purchase an emergency fuel shipment at prices reportedly exceeding those agreed upon under the government-to-government supply agreement.
Authorities have also raised concerns about the quality of the imported fuel, noting that the shipment allegedly failed to meet required fuel standards and may have been acquired outside established emergency protocols.
The government implemented the government-to-government fuel import framework in 2023 after experiencing significant fuel shortages the preceding year.
This arrangement was designed to secure a consistent supply of petroleum products while protecting the country from global price volatility and foreign exchange challenges.
Through this framework, Kenya obtains fuel supplies from international companies including Aramco Trading Fujairah, ADNOC Global Trading Ltd, and Emirates National Oil Company Singapore Pte Limited.
Koskei also revealed that investigations have expanded to include additional officials within the sector.
Among those affected are Joseph Wafula and Joel Mburu, who are currently undergoing administrative procedures as part of the investigation.
Authorities report that measures are being implemented to reverse the improper fuel shipments and restore procurement practices in accordance with the government’s supply agreements.
The government remains committed to protecting public interests and national resources,” Koskei stated.
This story was originally published by Radio47.