The Grassroots Economic Justice Movement, Mtetezi led by its chairman and convenor Francis Awino, has raised alarm over reports that the government is considering relaxing Kenya’s fuel quality standards to allow higher-sulphur imports.
This has led to the group issuing a warning of nationwide demonstrations if Energy Cabinet Secretary Opiyo Wandayi and Trade CS Lee Kinyanjui fail to respond within 72 hours.
In a statement issued on Saturday, the lobby group termed the reported move a dangerous policy reversal, warning that it could expose Kenyans to serious health, environmental and economic risks.
“Kenya is witnessing a dangerous reversal. This is not policy evolution. This is a policy contradiction and grand corruption,” the statement reads.
POSSIBLE REVERSAL OF FUEL QUALITY STANDARDS
Mtetezi questioned why authorities would consider allowing fuel with similar characteristics to a consignment previously rejected over high sulphur content, just weeks after taking a firm stance on compliance.
MARCH FUEL REJECTION AND SECTOR SHAKE-UP
In March, the government rejected a fuel consignment imported outside the government-to-government framework after it was found to contain sulphur levels above the required standards.
The move led to changes within the energy sector, including the dismissal of senior officials at the Ministry of Energy, the Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA), and the Kenya Pipeline Company (KPC).
GOVERNMENT ASSURANCE ON SUPPLY AND QUALITY
Following the incident, Energy CS Opiyo Wandayi assured Parliament that Kenya had adequate fuel stocks under the government-to-government arrangement, and that both supply and quality standards remained stable.
QUESTIONS OVER POLICY SHIFT
Mtetezi now says the current direction appears inconsistent with those earlier assurances, questioning why a reversal seems to be emerging only weeks after the rejection of non-compliant fuel.
“This contradiction is not only confusing; it is unacceptable, illegal and demands immediate explanation,” the organisation said.
CONCERNS OVER FUEL SHORTAGE CLAIMS
The movement also questioned whether the March fuel shortage was genuine or artificially created to justify emergency imports and subsequent pump price adjustments.
DEMAND FOR CLARITY ON CONSIGNMENT
It further wants clarity on whether the fuel now being considered is the same consignment previously rejected or a different shipment with similar non-compliant characteristics.
72-HOUR ULTIMATUM AND THREAT OF PROTESTS
Mtetezi has given Energy CS Opiyo Wandayi and Trade CS Lee Kinyanjui 72 hours to respond, warning that failure to do so will trigger nationwide demonstrations outside the respective ministry offices.
PUBLIC HEALTH AND TRUST CONCERNS
The group maintains that any attempt to lower fuel quality standards would amount to a serious breach of public trust, with potential consequences on public health, consumer costs, and institutional credibility.
