9 filling stations closed as EPRA clamps down on adulterated fuel
The Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA) has shut down nine filling stations across the country as part of an ongoing nationwide crackdown on the sale of adulterated fuel and export-bound petroleum products in the local market.
In a statement published in the dailies on Monday, March 31, 2025, EPRA revealed that it had conducted 5,978 tests at 1,360 petroleum sites between January and March 2025 to monitor compliance with fuel quality standards.
Of these, the agency flagged 13 filling stations for non-compliance with regulatory standards.
“During the period January – March 2025, a total of 5,978 tests were conducted at 1,360 petroleum sites. From the tests, 1347 (99.04%) of the sites were found to be compliant. However, tests from thirteen (0.96%) sites turned out to be non-compliant,” the statement noted.
Of the 13 non-compliant stations, three have been allowed to reopen after upgrading their products and paying taxes and penalties, while nine remain closed pending compliance.
Filling stations closed
The nine stations that failed to meet regulatory standards were found to be engaging in fuel adulteration—mixing petroleum products with unauthorized substances—or selling fuel meant for export in the local market.
Among the affected stations is Ahero Stage Filling Station in Kisumu, which was found selling super petrol adulterated with domestic kerosene.
Wamuini Filling Station in Trans Nzoia and Mungatsi Filling Station in Busia were flagged for selling diesel and super petrol meant for export, respectively, while Miami Energy Filling Station in Kajiado was found offering diesel mixed with domestic kerosene.
Other closed stations include Wangu Filling Station in Murang’a, Sofla Energy Service Station in Maragua, and Kobodo Filling Station in Homa Bay—all found to be selling adulterated fuel.
Meanwhile, a separate illegal fuel storage site in Mazeras, Kilifi, was discovered stockpiling adulterated diesel in drums.
Authorities arrested individuals linked to the operation, and investigations are ongoing.
Repeat offenders
The crackdown has also identified two repeat offenders: Lowisa Oil Filling Station in Kiritiri, Embu County, which was allowed to reopen after paying penalties of Ksh306,092, and El Bethel Filling Station in Marsabit, which remains closed.
Reopened stations
In addition to Lowisa Filling Station in Embu County, the agency announced the reopening of two additional stations that had previously been closed for non-compliance.
Kamarusso Filling Station in Kabiemit, Nandi County, which had been closed for selling diesel meant for export, was reopened after paying taxes and penalties amounting to Ksh111,025.
Additionally, Hass Petroleum Garissa Junction Service Station, which had been closed for selling domestic kerosene adulterated with non-marked fuel, was reopened after paying taxes and penalties amounting to Ksh148,507.
Tough stance
In its statement, EPRA reiterated its commitment to enforcing fuel quality regulations and warned that any stations found engaging in illegal fuel practices would face legal actions, including fines, closures, and potential prosecution.
The agency emphasized that the crackdown is part of its mandate under Section 92 of the Petroleum Act 2019, which requires the authority to monitor and ensure all fuel sold in Kenya meets quality standards.
“The Authority undertakes a program of continuous monitoring of the quality of petroleum motor fuels on sale, transport, and storage throughout the country to prevent motor fuel adulteration or dumping of export-bound fuels,” EPRA stated.
