Energy and Petroleum Cabinet Secretary Opiyo Wandayi has announced plans to establish long-term fuel reserves to shield Kenya from supply shocks. He made the remarks after appearing before a parliamentary committee on Monday, April 13, 2026. The country currently lacks formal reserves and depends on continuous imports.
Energy and Petroleum Cabinet Secretary Opiyo Wandayi appeared before the National Assembly Departmental Committee on Energy on April 13, admitting that Kenya has no established fuel reserves. "We are yet to establish fuel reserves. We are working closely with private players who want to partner with the government on storage, but as of now, the country relies on fuel as it comes," Wandayi stated.
The announcement comes amid a fuel shortage linked to Middle East conflict, with the Kenya Pipeline Corporation stating that imports sustain the country for a maximum of 21 days. A recent controversy involved KSh4.8 billion worth of substandard fuel imported outside the government-to-government agreement, leading to resignations and arrests in the energy sector.
Wandayi dismissed calls for his resignation over the saga, saying there is no justification to step aside and investigations will clear him. "When all is said and done, in the final analysis, clearly, there is no reason stopping me from discharging my duties as Cabinet Secretary."
The plans adopt a public-private partnership model under President William Ruto's Kenya Kwanza administration to bolster energy security.
