Motorists are bracing for possible fuel shortages after suppliers began rationing petrol and diesel, with some regions already reporting stockouts.
Reports from Kenyans.co.ke indicate that several distributors have temporarily run out of fuel, raising concerns that the situation could deteriorate if delayed shipments fail to arrive.
Industry player Martin Chomba told Bloomberg that shortages are most acute in rural areas, where some filling stations have shut down due to lack of supply.
He added that major suppliers are already rationing fuel deliveries, with smaller distributors in villages particularly affected by dwindling stocks.
Experts warn that prolonged shortages could disrupt transport systems, raise business costs and drive up prices of essential goods across the economy.
Kenya consumes about 100,000 barrels of fuel daily, all imported through the port of Mombasa, with regulations requiring importers to maintain only 21 days of reserves.
Analysts caution that even a single delayed shipment—linked to ongoing tensions in the Middle East—could push the country into critical fuel levels within weeks.
Across Africa, reliance on imported fuel routed through the Strait of Hormuz leaves many countries vulnerable to supply shocks, particularly as wealthier nations compete for limited cargoes.
The development comes despite assurances from Energy Cabinet Secretary Opiyo Wandayi on March 13 that the government was working with oil firms to stabilise supply.
While the Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority has held fuel prices steady for the current cycle, concerns persist that shortages could soon trigger price increases.