NAIROBI, Kenya Apr 4 – The government has unveiled details of an alleged scheme involving three senior energy sector officials accused of fabricating a fuel shortage to justify an irregular and costly import deal.Head of Public Service and Chief of Staff Felix Koskei said investigations point to the involvement of former Principal Secretary for Petroleum Mohamed Liban, Kenya Pipeline Company (KPC) Managing Director Joe Sang, and Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA) Director General Daniel Kiptoo Bargoria.In a statement, Koskei said primary duty bearers responsible for administering the petroleum supply chain may have manipulated data on in-country fuel stocks.He added that the manipulation appears to have been done to exploit rising global prices and public anxiety, thereby creating a false impression of an impending supply shortfall.According to the government, the alleged falsification of fuel stock data led to the procurement of an emergency shipment outside the Government-to-Government (G2G) fuel supply framework.“The shipment in question was procured in blatant breach of the G2G framework, at a price significantly above the contracted rates, in complete disregard of established emergency procurement procedures, and was of substandard quality,” Koskei said.The government maintains that there was no actual fuel shortage at the time, noting that since the inception of the G2G fuel supply arrangement, fuel availability in Kenya and across the region has remained relatively stable.Koskei said the actions of the officials constitute serious violations, warning that “such falsification of information and misrepresentation by primary duty bearers within the petroleum supply chain constitute serious breaches of public trust and may amount to economic crimes.”The three officials have since resigned following their arrest on April 2, 2026, as investigations intensify.Koskei confirmed that “he relevant investigative agencies will continue with their inquiries to ensure full accountability.He added that all governance actors within the sector are required to provide full access to relevant information to facilitate these investigations.The government has pledged firm action against those found culpable.“The Government remains steadfast in safeguarding the public good and protecting national interests. Any act of economic sabotage will be fully investigated and met with firm and decisive action against any individual or entity found culpable,” Koskei said.The scandal has raised concerns over oversight in the petroleum supply chain, even as the government insists the G2G framework remains intact and continues to guarantee stable fuel supply.The scandal comes despite the G2G fuel supply arrangement, introduced in 2023 to stabilise fuel availability and protect the market from global price volatility. Under the arrangement, Kenya has received uninterrupted fuel supplies, ensuring consistent pump prices and easing the fiscal burden associated with fuel subsidies.The government confirmed that contracted suppliers, including Aramco Trading Fujairah, ADNOC Global Trading Ltd, and Emirates National Oil Company Singapore Pte Limited, have continued to meet their obligations. Koskei highlighted that since the inception of the G2G arrangement, fuel availability in Kenya and across the region has remained relatively stable, contributing to consistent pump prices and easing the fiscal burden previously associated with subsidies and stabilisation.Despite this stable supply position, the alleged falsification by top officials threatened to undermine public trust and market stability. “Such egregious misrepresentation constitutes serious breaches of public trust and may amount to economic crimes under the Anti-Corruption and Economic Crimes Act and the Penal Code,” Koskei warned.The Executive Office of the President confirmed that ongoing investigations will aim to ensure full accountability, including administrative measures to reverse irregular shipment requisitions and restore compliance with the G2G framework.“In view of the critical role of petroleum products as the backbone of the economy, and in recognition of the compelling public interest, the matter has been escalated to the relevant investigative agencies for a full and comprehensive inquiry,” Koskei noted.