The appalling state of roads to and from petroleum depots poses a high safety and security risk to Kenyans, the Senate Standing Committee in Energy has heard.
The Petroleum Institute of East Africa (PIEA) told members of the committee the industry has experienced excessive delays in rehabilitation and repairs of critical road infrastructure to petroleum depots.
In a report presented by General Manager Wanjiku Manyara and chairman Peter Murungi, the institute said bad roads have hindered safe transportation and efficient last-mile delivery of petroleum products in Kenya.
“They are all in a dilapidated state and in need of urgent repairs and maintenance,” the report said.
IPEA said the state of the roads is not just a risk to the safety of Kenyans but also to the economy.
“Of great concern is the risk of tanker rollover and the potential of product spillage which could result in catastrophic fire incidents. The industry has experienced several near misses,” the report added.
The institute had appeared before the committee to inform members of the challenges in the energy sector.
IPEA added that fuel loading and delivery turnaround time is increasing as drivers have to cope with safely maneuvering loaded tankers and rerouting journey plans hence adversely impacting on timely security of the supply of petroleum and petroleum products from depots to consumer locations.
“In Nairobi County, there is a need to consider the decongestion of some roads like Lunga Lunga Road towards Outering Road with priority traffic easing whenever there is a fuel tanker stuck in traffic - as any slight combustion can lead to very high losses,” the report stated.
The institute also raised concern over the increasing cost of repairs and maintenance for petroleum tankers saying it is adversely impacting business continuity and the sustainable employment of drivers.
IPEA noted that the Nairobi and Mombasa depots store over approximately 70 per cent of the country’s and East Africa region’s petroleum fuel requirements
It further noted that the petroleum industry contributes an average of Sh300 billion in revenues through nine levies and taxes.
