Energy Cabinet Secretary Davis Chirchir has spoken out about the contentious importation and ownership of a fuel consignment valued at Ksh.17 billion, which is linked to the mysterious disappearance of a businesswoman involved in a dispute with two oil marketing companies.
During a tree planting exercise in Baringo County, Chirchir acknowledged that Ann Njoroge, the missing businesswoman, had sought help from his office. He confirmed her visit five days after her consignment of 100,000 metric tonnes of diesel arrived at the port of Mombasa without her authorization.
“Hiyo kesi iko kortini Mombasa. I am aware a lady called Ann came to my office. Ameenda huko kwa port akasema meli ni yake hiyo meli ilifika kitambo brought in by a company called Galana and it has been discharged so we will work to cooperate tujue ukweli iko wapi. But the case is in court at the moment,” said Chirchir.
Chirchir stated that their documentation indicates the consignment belongs to Galana Energies, one of the oil marketing companies selected to supply fuel in a government-to-government deal.
Despite referring Ann to DCI Headquarters, Chirchir did not comment on her mysterious disappearance, confirming only that the matter is under investigation.
Who owns the consignment?
KPA Managing Director Captain William Ruto and Board Chairperson Benjamin Tayari addressed these allegations, asserting that Galana Energies Limited possessed the genuine importation documents.
Cap. William Ruto, the Managing Director of KPA, stated, “Ile bill of lading amesema ni yake na ndio hii na ndio ukweli, bill of lading imekuwa signed na shipper kuwa ni yeye, carrier ni yeye things that cannot add up.”
KPA presented records indicating the vessel carried 93,460 metric tonnes of gas oil, not the 100,000 metric tonnes of diesel claimed by Ann Njoroge.
The gas oil was loaded between September 26th and 28th at the Yanbu-Samref terminal, departing for anchorage at Jeddah.
According to KPA, the ship left for Mombasa on September 30th.
Records also showed 49,091 metric tonnes of gas oil destined for Kenya, nominated by the Ministry of Energy and Petroleum, with the remaining 44,368 metric tonnes as transit cargo for neighboring countries.
Kenyans gear for increased fuel prices
KPA disputed Ann’s ownership, citing no documents showing Ann’s Import and Export Enterprises Limited as the cargo owner.
They also questioned Ann’s claims about the vessel’s origin and loading date, asserting that documents indicated Yanbu in Saudi Arabia as the origin and a loading date of October 11th, not October 9th.
Additionally, they raised concerns about the bill of lading lacking the Master’s signature.
As this saga unfolds, Kenyans are set to dig further in their pockets as the price of local commodities is set to further increase. This is due to an anticipated increase in cost of fuel which most Kenyans depend on for every day to day life.
In its monthly review of prices, EPRA is expected to review prices of fuel upwards on November 14, 2023. However, Kenyans will be left to wonder why the prices are increasing in Kenya, whereas other countries, including Tanzania are lowering their prices due to global reduction of oil prices.
