KEBS, EPRA respond over fuel quality concerns

In a joint statement, KEBS and EPRA explained that all petroleum fuels imported into the country undergo testing and certification before being released into the market as part of the quality assurance measures. 

To allay all fears, KEBS conducted independent tests on fuel samples from various petroleum retail stations and revealed that all samples met the required Research Octane Number (RON) ratings of 95. 

The RON rating determines a fuel's suitability for different engine configurations. According to KEBS, all fuel samples had an average RON rating of 96. 

"Furthermore, in instances where Super Petrol is marketed as a premium fuel with higher RON ratings, our tests consistently affirm compliance with these higher standards," the statement read in part. 

"Consequently, we urge consumers to continue to have confidence in the quality of petroleum fuels available, as there is no cause for alarm." 

The KEBS report came after content creator William Kimm, popularly known as GTR Tanuki, conducted fuel tests at seven different stations and revealed that some performed worse than their counterparts. 

In the viral video, Tanuki alleged that V-power premium fuel had a lower rating (87 RON) than standard fuel at the same station (91 RON). 

In response Vivo Energy, the distributor of shell products across the country, confirmed that all fuel imports adhere to the required criteria. 

"Our fuel imports into Kenya adhere to strict quality standards, with two standard Research Octane Number (RON) categories: Unleaded (RON 93) and Shell V-Power (RON 95). Each shipment is certified at source and undergoes further rigorous testing upon arrival into the country," Vivo Energy stated.