“Fuel Scandal Brewing? Senate Zeroes In on ‘Questionable’ Imports as MT Paloma Docks in Mombasa!”
By News Desk
SENATE PROBE SHIFTS TO FUEL QUALITY AS KPA DETAILS MT PALOMA DOCKING
The Kenya Ports Authority (KPA) has released detailed records surrounding the docking and discharge of the oil tanker MT Paloma at the Port of Mombasa, as the Senate Energy Committee intensifies its ongoing probe—now shifting focus to fuel quality concerns.
According to KPA, MT Paloma arrived at the port’s outer limits on March 27, 2026, at 2:30 a.m., carrying 60,200.813 metric tonnes of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), as declared in its cargo manifest by Sturrock Shipping (Kenya) Limited.
In a formal submission to the Senate Committee, KPA confirmed that the vessel was piloted and docked at the Kipevu Oil Terminal II (KOT II) Berth No. 1 later that evening. The discharge process was completed on March 30 at 12:12 p.m., after which the vessel cleared port procedures and departed the same day.
However, KPA was quick to distance itself from downstream petroleum handling, clarifying that all discharge operations after berthing fall under the mandate of the Kenya Pipeline Company (KPC).
“Upon berthing, cargo discharge and associated operations are conducted by KPC. KPA is not privy to subsequent processes undertaken by other government agencies,” the Authority stated.
The clarification comes amid heightened scrutiny from the Senate, where lawmakers raised serious concerns over the integrity and regulation of petroleum products entering the country.
Veronica Maina warned against the infiltration of substandard fuel into the national system, questioning the safeguards in place within KPC to detect compromised products. She also challenged policy decisions that may allow the waiver of petroleum standards.
Additional concerns were raised by Richard Kisang, who sought clarity on incoming fuel shipments and supply stability, while Danson Mungatana proposed the establishment of independent laboratory testing to ensure fuel quality compliance.
Responding to the concerns, KPA General Manager Moses Taiwu assured the Committee that sufficient oil cargo vessels are scheduled to dock within the next two weeks, mitigating fears of an imminent fuel shortage.
KPA further highlighted that between March 1 and April 12, 2026, a total of 19 tanker vessels were handled at the port, transporting various petroleum products including PMS, Automotive Gas Oil (AGO), and Jet A-1 fuel.
The Authority attributed the improved efficiency to the operational capacity of the Kipevu Oil Terminal II, commissioned in 2022, which has significantly reduced congestion and demurrage costs.
Despite these assurances, KPA reiterated that it does not oversee petroleum supply chains, licensing, or quality control, emphasizing that such responsibilities lie with other regulatory agencies.
As the Senate Energy Committee continues its oversight mission in Mombasa, attention is now firmly shifting from logistical efficiency to the more critical issue of fuel quality assurance—raising broader concerns about transparency, accountability, and public safety in Kenya’s petroleum sector.
