The government has addressed concerns over a potential jet fuel shortage in Kenya following flight delays at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) on Thursday morning. Energy Cabinet Secretary Opiyo Wandayi confirmed that there was a temporary issue affecting multiple airlines, which was quickly resolved.
Wandayi explained that the delays were due to a hitch in the jet fuel pumping system but assured that the situation was rectified within approximately one and a half hours, allowing flights to resume promptly.
During a visit to the Kenya Petroleum Refineries Limited (KPRL) in Mombasa, he emphasized that the country has an adequate fuel supply and does not anticipate any shortages in the future. He credited the government’s G-to-G arrangements for ensuring a consistent supply of jet fuel and other types of fuel.
“We do not foresee a shortage of jet fuel or any kind of fuel in the foreseeable future under the G-to-G deal,” Wandayi stated. He also mentioned that the government has established comprehensive mechanisms to guarantee a steady fuel supply not only for domestic use but also for regional needs, highlighting that Kenya currently supplies fuel to Uganda and plans to extend services to the Democratic Republic of Congo, South Sudan, and Rwanda soon.
Additionally, Wandayi revealed plans to merge KPRL with the Kenya Pipeline Corporation (KPC) to enhance operational efficiency. He was accompanied by KPC Managing Director Joe Sang and Kenya Ports Authority Managing Director William Ruto during his tour.
Jambojet and Kenya Airways (KQ) were among the airlines impacted by the fuel supply issues at JKIA. Jambojet issued an apology for the inconvenience caused and pledged to minimize further disruptions. KQ noted that maintenance of the fuel hydrants at JKIA extended beyond the expected duration, contributing to the delays.
