NAIROBI, Kenya — President William Ruto has moved to reassure the country that Kenya has put in place strong safeguards to protect fuel and essential commodity supplies from potential shocks arising from the escalating conflict in the Middle East.
Speaking at State House, Nairobi, after bilateral talks with Mozambique President Daniel Chapo, the President said the government is working closely with regional partners, global suppliers, and domestic industry players to ensure the country does not experience disruptions similar to those seen in other markets affected by the crisis.
His remarks come as global oil prices continue to fluctuate sharply following the conflict triggered by joint U.S.–Israeli strikes on Iran, which has resulted in the largest supply disruption in the history of the global oil market, according to the International Energy Agency.
President Ruto warned that the government will not tolerate artificial shortages engineered by oil marketers seeking to profit from the crisis, noting that authorities are monitoring supply chains closely and will take firm action against any entity found hoarding fuel or restricting distribution.
He emphasised that the government has already engaged both local and regional stakeholders to maintain a steady supply and ensure compliance with licensing conditions, echoing similar warnings issued by Energy and Petroleum Cabinet Secretary Opiyo Wandayi, who recently cautioned oil firms against speculative behaviour and reassured the public that Kenya’s fuel stocks remain adequate.
The President acknowledged that while Kenya has made significant progress in mitigating the immediate effects of the conflict, a prolonged war could still pose risks to the economy, particularly through rising global crude prices and potential disruptions along the Strait of Hormuz, a critical chokepoint that handles about 20pc of the world’s oil shipments.
The IEA has warned that the situation could worsen if tensions escalate further, with global markets already experiencing volatility and supply chain uncertainty.
Ruto expressed optimism that diplomatic efforts underway internationally would help de-escalate the crisis and stabilise global energy markets.
During the joint press briefing, President Ruto also highlighted the stabilising effect of Kenya’s Government‑to‑Government (G‑to‑G) oil import arrangement introduced in 2023.
The deal, involving major suppliers in the Gulf region, has helped cushion the country from global price shocks by ensuring a predictable supply and easing pressure on the exchange rate.
Energy CS Wandayi has similarly credited the G‑to‑G framework with enhancing supply resilience, noting that Kenya Pipeline Company currently holds substantial reserves and that scheduled imports for the coming fuel cycle remain on track.
President Chapo’s visit to Kenya, during which he served as the chief guest at the Kenya International Investment Conference, underscored the growing economic cooperation between the two countries.
Ruto said the discussions focused on strengthening regional trade, investment, and energy security, noting that stability in fuel supply is essential not only for Kenya but for the broader East African region.
The President’s assurances come at a time when Kenyans have expressed concern over reports of sporadic fuel shortages at select stations, with the government attributing some of the disruptions to opportunistic behaviour by certain market players.
Ruto reiterated that the State will act decisively against any attempts to exploit the crisis for profit, insisting that national interest must prevail over commercial opportunism.
As global tensions continue to evolve, the government maintains that Kenya’s energy security remains intact, supported by adequate reserves, ongoing import schedules, and coordinated oversight across the petroleum supply chain.
The President urged the public to remain calm, assuring that the country is well‑positioned to withstand external shocks while diplomatic efforts continue to seek a peaceful resolution to the Middle East conflict.
