Government Intensifies Efforts to Combat Illicit Trade in Petroleum Sector,
In a bid to safeguard national security and bolster the integrity of Kenya’s petroleum industry, the government has announced a series of measures aimed at combating illicit trade in the sector.
This initiative was underscored during today’s State of the Petroleum and Oil Industry Briefing held in Nairobi, where key stakeholders convened to address pressing concerns and strategize the way forward.
While making his remarks, Raymond Omollo, Principal Secretary for Internal Security and National Administration, emphasized the critical role of security in ensuring the safety and prosperity of the petroleum sector.
Highlighting the theme of the briefing, “Combating Illicit Trade in the Petroleum Sector as a Key Catalyst to the Government’s Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda,” Dr. Omollo underscored the imperative of collaborative efforts to tackle this pervasive issue.
The burgeoning growth of Kenya’s petroleum industry has brought with it numerous challenges, with illicit activities such as unauthorized refilling sites and illegal trade in petroleum products posing significant threats to both public safety and national security.
Omollo cited a tragic incident in Mradi Area, Embakasi, where an unauthorized refilling site led to a devastating fire, claiming lives and causing injuries, as a stark reminder of the urgency to address these issues.
To address these challenges head-on, the government has implemented a Rapid Result Initiative (RRI) targeting rogue LPG dealers and illicit petroleum businesses.
This initiative, spearheaded by the Ministry of Interior and National Administration in collaboration with relevant authorities, aims to ensure compliance with licensing regulations and enforce safety measures to mitigate risks.
As part of the RRI, a nationwide registration of all LPG and petroleum businesses was conducted, resulting in the registration of thousands of facilities across various regions.
Additionally, stringent measures have been proposed, including the deployment of advanced technology for monitoring and surveillance, strengthening legal frameworks to impose stricter penalties, public education campaigns, and enhanced training for law enforcement personnel.
The government has called for a multi-faceted approach involving collaboration between government agencies, industry stakeholders, the private sector, and the public to effectively combat illicit trade in the petroleum sector.
The PS reiterated the commitment of the government to safeguarding the safety of consumers and preserving the integrity of Kenya’s petroleum industry for the sustainable development of the nation.
As the nation navigates through these challenges, concerted efforts are underway to ensure that Kenya’s petroleum sector remains a beacon of progress and prosperity, guided by principles of transparency, accountability, and security.
