Wandayi tours petrol stations, assures fuel supply is enough

Energy Cabinet Secretary Opiyo Wandayi, during an inspection of fuel supply and availability at a petrol station on May 26, 2026. /HANDOUT

Energy Cabinet Secretary Opiyo Wandayi on Tuesday toured petrol stations in Nairobi and Machakos counties to assess fuel availability and distribution, assuring Kenyans that the country has sufficient fuel stocks despite concerns over shortages and rising prices linked to the ongoing conflict in the Middle East.

Wandayi said the government was closely monitoring the situation and working with industry stakeholders to maintain an uninterrupted supply of petroleum products across the country.

“Today, I conducted spot checks at petrol stations across Machakos County to assess fuel availability and distribution amid ongoing global supply and logistics challenges,” Wandayi said.

“I wish to assure Kenyans that the country has sufficient fuel stocks under both strategic and commercial reserves, with supply continuing normally through established import and distribution channels.”

The inspections come amid growing concern over rising fuel prices and shortages reported in several countries within the region following disruptions in global supply chains caused by tensions in the Middle East.

In Kenya, motorists and transport operators have in recent weeks raised concerns over the increasing cost of fuel, with pump prices remaining high across the country.

Wandayi, however, said Kenya’s supply chain remained stable and that measures implemented by the government had helped cushion the country from severe shortages.

Energy Cabinet Secretary Opiyo Wandayi, during an inspection of fuel supply and availability at a petrol station on May 26, 2026. /HANDOUT

“All our storage facilities and the pipeline are full of petroleum products. As a matter of fact, ships and vessels are lining up at the port waiting to be discharged,” he said.

“That tells you that in terms of the supply chain, normalcy has returned because of the measures the government has put in place.”

The CS acknowledged that soaring global fuel prices had affected the cost of living and reduced purchasing power among Kenyans.

He attributed the situation to instability in the Middle East but said consumers could benefit from lower pump prices once global conditions stabilise.

“Even though we cannot predict how the situation obtaining in the Middle East will end or when it will end, we are sure that when and if it ends, the benefits that will accrue will come down to consumers in Kenya in the fullness of time,” Wandayi said.

He added that the government was pursuing long-term interventions aimed at strengthening the country’s energy security, including expansion of fuel infrastructure, diversification of supply sources and increased investment in renewable energy.

“The Government and industry stakeholders remain vigilant to ensure market stability and uninterrupted fuel supply, while continuing to strengthen Kenya’s long-term energy security through expanded infrastructure, diversified supply sources, and investment in renewable energy,” he said.

Wandayi also appealed for calm amid protests sparked by the rising cost of fuel and cautioned politicians against politicising the matter.

“Let us exercise responsibility, even for the politicians. Let us be patriotic, whether you are in government or not. We must all understand that we only have one country,” he said.