The United Democratic Alliance (UDA) has proposed a hefty Ksh15 billion fine as pressure grows over weak oversight in the fuel industry following the importation of substandard fuel.

In a press briefing on Monday, April 6, 2026, the ruling party’s Secretary General Hassan Omar called for strict enforcement and accountability, warning that failure to follow checks would amount to serious negligence, adding that safeguards are already in place and confirmed fuel quality test results will be made public.

“We propose punitive sanctions amounting to five times the projected loss, that is, three billion multiplied by five, amounting to 15 billion. These recovered funds should be ring-fenced and channelled towards strengthening Level Six referral hospitals, thereby converting a potential crisis or loss into a long-term public health investment,” Omar said.

He added that skipping testing procedures would be gross negligence and unacceptable dereliction of duty.

Omar also revealed that surcharge and recovery processes against the importers have already started, aiming to protect taxpayers from losses. He explained that the proposed fine is based on an estimated loss of Ksh3 billion.

The UDA mouthpiece has said the recovered money should be used to improve Level Six referral hospitals across the country, turning the situation into a long-term benefit for public health.

This comes even as the Energy Cabinet Secretary Opiyo Wandayi said fuel supplies remain stable and assured Kenyans that the government is taking steps to protect consumers. He acknowledged recent changes in the Ministry of Energy and Petroleum following the fuel import saga, but insisted the situation is under control.

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Wandayi said the government stopped a second fuel shipment after new details emerged about an earlier cargo under investigation, adding that the move was meant to protect public interest and avoid repeating past mistakes.

“We have sufficient stocks of petroleum products to meet current demand,” Wandayi said, reassuring motorists and businesses worried about shortages or rising prices.

He defended the government-to-government fuel import system, saying it remains stable despite the controversy.

 According to him, the system continues to protect Kenyans from sudden global oil price changes.

The dispute has focused on differences in pricing between shipments. One supplier quoted a cost of Ksh198,855 per metric ton for petrol, compared to Ksh140,111 per metric ton under the government-to-government deal.

This price gap of about Ksh58,744 per metric ton or Ksh43.4 per litre has raised concerns about possible overpricing and inefficiencies in the sector.

Wandayi also warned that some groups may try to take advantage of the situation for personal gain, urging continued vigilance in the management of fuel imports.