Kenya losses up to 90% business volume annually in fuel meant for export, which is dumped into the local market.
According to Kenya Pipeline Corporation (KPC) Eldoret Depot Manager Eng. Anthony Kigen Sang, the country has lost major markets including Ruanda, Burundi, DRC and Southern Sudan, adding that KPC Eldoret, specifically, is affected due to the loss of the market and is unable to meet Treasury revenue targets
A cartel of unscrupulous business people are involved in dumping of petroleum products meant for export, causing delays in product delivery, fuel adulteration and product loss.
Sang said this when he met a multi – agency team investigating un-customed fuel numbed in Jua kali area in Eldoret West Sub- county within Uasin Gishu County. He was also briefed on the scope of investigations by the team leader, senior assistant director of public prosecutions, Zachary Omwega.
He thanked the multi – agency team handling the investigation and hoped that the actions being taken will enable KPC to facilitate uninterrupted business trade with the lost markets.
Already four suspects have been charged with five counts: operating a business of storage of petroleum products without a valid license from Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC), constructing petroleum facility without a permit, diversion of petroleum products meant for export into the local market, failing to observe environmental health standards in the manner of construction and operation of a facility used in storage of petroleum products, being in possession of un-customed goods and conspiracy to contravene the provisions of the East African Community Customs Management Act 2004.
Three of the four suspects have been arranged in court while the forth is at large.
The multi – agency team is drawn from ERC, Kenya Revenue Authority, Director of Public Prosecutions and the Kenya Police.
