Newsworthy Speech Rewrite – Chris Kiptoo’s Address at the Public Participation Forum on Marine Refuelling Regulations

Principal Secretary for Energy, Dr. Chris Kiptoo, has reaffirmed the government’s commitment to strengthening Kenya’s maritime safety and environmental standards as he opened a public participation forum on the proposed Petroleum (Marine Refuelling) Regulations, 2025.

Addressing stakeholders drawn from government agencies, the private sector, coastal communities, and environmental groups, Dr. Kiptoo said marine refuelling commonly known as bunkering plays an essential role in supporting the country’s maritime trade and transport sector by ensuring vessels operating in Kenyan waters have reliable access to fuel.

He noted that despite its contribution to trade, transport, and livelihoods, the marine refuelling sector has for years operated without a clear regulatory framework, exposing it to serious safety, environmental, and consumer protection risks.

“Unregulated operations have led to environmental pollution, sale of substandard fuel, use of unsafe vessels, inflated prices, and even accidents that endanger crews and passengers,” he said. “These gaps undermine investor confidence and limit the growth of Kenya’s blue economy.”

A New Framework for Safety, Accountability, and Growth

Dr. Kiptoo explained that the draft regulations—developed under Section 101 of the Petroleum Act, 2019 aim to align Kenya’s marine operations with international maritime standards while protecting the environment and safeguarding consumers.

Once gazetted, the regulations will govern the construction, licensing, storage, transport, trade, and dispensing of petroleum products to marine vessels in both inland and coastal waters.

Key provisions include:

• A streamlined licensing and permit system for all marine refuelling operations, requiring construction permits for new or modified facilities and vessels.
• Strict documentation and environmental liability requirements, ensuring only vetted, compliant operators are allowed in the sector.
• Clear enforcement powers, enabling EPRA to suspend or revoke licences of operators who breach the law, while giving them a fair opportunity to respond within set timelines.

Environmental and Safety Measures

The draft regulations place strong emphasis on environmental protection and worker safety. Operators will be required to:

• Install spill containment systems such as bunds, oil booms, and double-walled tanks
• Maintain oil-absorbent materials and spill kits for emergency response
• Conduct annual water quality tests
• Comply with the Environmental Management and Coordination Act, 2024

In addition, facilities and vessels must adhere to the Occupational Safety and Health Act, 2007 by ensuring availability of personal protective equipment, firefighting tools, safety signage, and regular staff training. Operators must also meet Kenya Maritime Authority standards for training and certification.

Protecting Consumers and Ensuring Fair Pricing

Dr. Kiptoo underscored that the regulations also prioritise consumer protection. Licensed operators will be prohibited from selling adulterated fuel or products intended for export, and must display EPRA-approved fuel prices. Pump calibration and strict accuracy standards will safeguard consumers from under-dispensing and unfair pricing.

The regulations further outlaw hoarding of petroleum products to prevent artificial shortages and protect the coastal economy from unnecessary fuel crises.

Stakeholder Participation Key to Final Regulations

Dr. Kiptoo urged participants to engage actively in the deliberations, noting that the draft regulations incorporate input from beach management units, maritime associations, environmental bodies, and community organisations.

“Today’s dialogue ensures that your recommendations shape the final version of these regulations. Your voices are essential in building a safe, transparent, and competitive marine refuelling sector,” he said.

He thanked stakeholders for their continued support and encouraged them to offer constructive feedback as the country moves toward a more secure and modern energy regulatory regime.