No Cause for Alarm: CS Opiyo Wandayi Assures Kenyans of Stable Fuel Supply

As global tensions continue to rise, many Kenyans have been quietly worrying about what it could mean for everyday essentials—especially fuel. But the government says there is no need to panic.

Appearing before the Senate, Energy Cabinet Secretary Opiyo Wandayi moved to calm those fears, assuring the country that Kenya’s fuel supply remains stable despite the ongoing conflict in the Middle East.

“We are vigilant and proactive,” Wandayi told lawmakers, emphasizing that the government has been working behind the scenes with key players in the energy sector to shield Kenyans from potential supply shocks.

His reassurance comes just days after motorists in parts of the country experienced temporary fuel shortages, triggering anxiety and long queues at some stations. But according to the CS, the disruption—reported on May 5—was not linked to global events, but rather a technical and administrative hitch that has since been resolved.

“Normal supply has resumed,” he said, urging Kenyans not to resort to panic buying.

For many citizens, fuel stability is more than a policy issue—it directly affects the cost of living. From transport fares to food prices, any disruption quickly ripples through household budgets. That reality has made the government’s Government-to-Government fuel importation deal a critical buffer, which Wandayi credited with protecting the country from global energy shocks.

Beyond fuel, Senators pressed the CS on electricity access and reliability—issues that hit even closer to home for millions of Kenyans.

In Kajiado County, Wandayi revealed that over 365,000 households are now connected to electricity, part of a nationwide total exceeding 10 million connections. Behind those numbers are families whose daily lives have been transformed—children studying under electric light, small businesses staying open longer, and safer, well-lit streets in growing towns.

Through the Rural Electrification and Renewable Energy Corporation, the government has invested over KSh1.4 billion in electrification projects in the county, including street lighting that has improved security and boosted local commerce.

Still, not all stories are positive.

Wandayi acknowledged delays in compensating landowners affected by major power transmission projects, including those along the Kajiado–Namanga and Sultan Hamud–Loitoktok corridors. Hundreds of families are still waiting for payment—some entangled in land disputes, others held back by documentation issues.

“The Government remains committed to ensuring that all legitimate landowners are compensated fairly and promptly,” he said.

Back in Nairobi, recent heavy rains have exposed the fragility of power infrastructure, with outages reported in several estates. For residents, the blackouts have meant disrupted businesses, dark homes, and spoiled food.

Wandayi said the Ministry has already taken corrective steps, including improving drainage around substations and clearing storm water channels in collaboration with the Nairobi City County Government and road agencies.

Looking ahead, the government is planning bigger changes—raising substations above flood levels, undergrounding power lines, and replacing wooden poles with more durable concrete ones. There are also plans to roll out smart grid technology to detect faults faster and reduce outages.

For ordinary Kenyans, these promises are about more than infrastructure—they are about reliability, affordability, and peace of mind.

As Wandayi wrapped up his address, his message remained clear: while global uncertainties persist, the government is working to ensure that the lights stay on and fuel keeps flowing.