Kenya is progressing with plans to introduce ethanol-blended petrol under the Energy (Biofuels) Regulations, 2025, as part of efforts to strengthen energy security and reduce reliance on imported fuel products.
The initiative will support the phased introduction of locally produced biofuel blends into the country’s fuel supply system while promoting cleaner and more diversified energy sources.
To support implementation, Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority and Kenya’s Ministry of Energy and Petroleum recently held a high-level stakeholder consultation involving regulators, oil marketing companies, ethanol producers, logistics operators, manufacturers, and other industry players.
Discussions focused on infrastructure readiness, sector preparedness, implementation priorities, and the operational rollout of the country’s biofuel blending programme.
The regulations provide a framework for blending locally produced biofuels with petroleum products through the gradual introduction of E5 and E10 fuels, which contain 5 per cent and 10 per cent bioethanol respectively.
The Energy (Biofuels) Regulations, 2025, which were gazetted in December 2025, also cover licensing, production, transportation, blending, storage, distribution, and sale of biofuels.
The rollout comes as countries worldwide continue exploring alternative energy sources to improve fuel resilience amid global oil market volatility and geopolitical tensions.
Bioethanol is produced from agricultural feedstocks such as sugarcane molasses, maize, cassava, and sorghum, while biodiesel is derived from vegetable oils, waste cooking oil, and other organic materials.
Authorities say the initiative is expected to create opportunities across agriculture, manufacturing, logistics, and renewable energy sectors while helping the country gradually reduce exposure to external fuel market shocks.
Speaking during the stakeholder engagement, Dr. Eng. Joseph Oketch said the regulations present Kenya with an opportunity to strengthen energy security while building local industries linked to agriculture, manufacturing, and renewable energy development.
He added that expanding domestic bioethanol production and structured fuel blending could create new opportunities for farmers, investors, manufacturers, and other participants across the value chain.