The National Assembly’s Departmental Committee on Energy, chaired by David Gikaria, has launched an urgent probe into allegations surrounding the importation of substandard petroleum products into the country outside the established government framework.
Addressing the press in parliament, Gikaria said the Committee had taken serious note of the claims, warning that any breach in the petroleum supply chain poses significant risks to consumers and the broader economy.
“We have convened this briefing to address the grave and deeply concerning allegations regarding the importation of substandard petroleum products into the country, reportedly outside the established Government-to-Government (G-to-G) framework,” Gikariasaid.
He added, “At the outset, the Departmental Committee on Energy wishes to state, unequivocally, that we are fully seized of this matter and are treating it with the highest level of urgency and seriousness.”
Gikaria said that the integrity of the petroleum sector must be safeguarded at all costs.
“The integrity of Kenya’s petroleum supply chain is not negotiable. Any breach whether in quality standards, importation procedures, or regulatory oversight constitutes a direct threat to consumer safety, investor confidence, environmental protection, and the overall stability of the petroleum sector.” Gikaria said.
The Committee has summoned the Cabinet Secretary for Energy and Petroleum alongside key stakeholders to appear before it.
“In exercise of our oversight mandate, the Committee has formally required the Cabinet Secretary for Energy and Petroleum, alongside all relevant institutions across the petroleum value chain to appear before the Committee on Thursday, 9th April 2026 at 9.00 a.m.” he directed.
Gikaria added, “This engagement will be comprehensive and evidence-based. It will seek to establish the origin and authorization of the alleged substandard petroleum products and Whether due process under the G-to-G framework was circumvented or undermined, the adequacy or failure of quality assurance, inspection, and enforcement mechanisms and the extent of responsibility across institutions and private sector players,” he noted.
The lawmaker has warned that accountability would be enforced across the board.
“We wish to be clear that accountability will not be selective and any individual or entity found culpable whether through commission, omission, or negligence will be held to account,” he said.
The legislator has called on investigative agencies to thoroughly examine the matter.
“Further, we call upon all investigative and enforcement agencies to leave no stone unturned in uncovering the truth. The Kenyan public deserves full transparency, and this matter must be pursued to its logical conclusion, without fear or favour,” he added.
However, Gikaria cautioned that a full assessment of fuel sufficiency and quality would only be confirmed after the scheduled appearance by the Cabinet Secretary.
“With respect to that appearance, the Committee expects a comprehensive, transparent, and accountable briefing,” he said.
The Cabinet Secretary will be required to clarify possible breaches in the importation framework, explain how substandard products may have entered the market, and outline measures to stabilize the sector and protect consumers.
The Committee reiterated its commitment to protecting Kenyans and ensuring transparency in the energy sector.
“As a committee, we remain steadfast and unwavering in our mandate to: Protect consumers from harmful and substandard products; Ensure transparency and accountability across the petroleum value chain; and Safeguard the long-term stability and credibility of Kenya’s petroleum sector,” Gikaria said.
He urged the public to remain calm as investigations continue.
“We urge the public to remain calm and avoid speculation as the matter is being handled with the seriousness it deserves. The Committee will continue to keep the country informed and will not hesitate to recommend decisive legislative, regulatory, and enforcement actions where necessary.” he urged.
