Fresh concerns have emerged over the safety of fuel used across Kenya after independent laboratory tests confirmed the presence of harmful chemicals linked to cancer.
The findings have raised serious questions about how the country monitors fuel quality and whether systems meant to protect consumers are instead putting them at risk.
The tests were commissioned by the Consumers Federation of Kenya, which sought verification from an internationally accredited laboratory in the United States.
Fuel samples were taken from different points within Kenya’s supply chain, including products meant for local use and transit fuel destined for other East African countries.
The results revealed contamination in both categories, suggesting the issue is widespread rather than isolated.
According to the laboratory analysis, the fuel contained carcinogenic halogenated bromides. These are chemical compounds known in scientific research to increase the risk of several types of cancer, including those affecting the liver, skin, thyroid, and reproductive organs. Studies also link these substances to damage of the endocrine system, interference with normal metabolism, and weakening of the immune system.
This means prolonged exposure could affect not just individuals who handle fuel directly, but also the wider population.
For most Kenyans, exposure happens indirectly. When fuel burns in engines, these harmful compounds are released into the air through exhaust fumes. People stuck in daily traffic, workers at petrol stations, and residents living near busy roads may inhale small amounts over time.
While each exposure may seem minimal, the long-term accumulation raises concern among health experts.
One of the most notable findings from the tests is that some fuel samples were completely clean. These unmarked samples did not contain the dangerous compounds found in the others.
This discovery has shifted attention to the fuel marking process, a system designed to prevent adulteration and track petroleum products.
The spotlight is now on SICPA SA, the Swiss firm contracted by the Kenyan government to supply and manage fuel markers. The company was brought in to help curb fuel fraud and ensure quality control. However, the test results suggest that the marking process itself could be introducing the harmful substances into the fuel.
The contract awarded to SICPA SA in 2022 has also drawn scrutiny because it was issued through a single-bidder process, limiting competition.
Despite ongoing concerns from stakeholders, the agreement was extended in 2025, further intensifying public debate.
COFEK is now pushing for urgent action. The federation has called on the Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority to suspend the fuel marking programme, recall affected fuel, and conduct fresh independent testing. It also wants full disclosure of the chemicals used in the marking system.
The organization is preparing legal action aimed at removing both SICPA SA and Société Générale de Surveillance from Kenya’s fuel sector.
The case is expected to focus on consumer safety, competition concerns, and accountability for any harm caused.
These developments come at a time when the country is already dealing with separate concerns about fuel quality. With multiple issues emerging at once, the situation is increasingly being viewed not just as an economic challenge but as a matter of public health that requires immediate attention.
