Illicit Petroleum Trade Poses Dire National Security Threat, PS Omollo Asserts

On April 8th, 2024, Dr. Raymond Omollo, the Interior PS, addressed the pressing issue of Illicit Trade within the Petroleum Sector, recognizing its grave implications for both the sector itself and national security.

Under the theme “A Key Catalyst to the Government’s Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda,” the briefing underscored the pivotal role of combating illicit trade to steer towards a safer and more prosperous future.

PS Omollo cautioned against various emerging threats from sector cartels, including illegal petroleum facilities, export product dumping, product adulteration, and siphoning along major transport routes.

Speaking at an event organized by the Petroleum Institute of East Africa (PIEA), Omollo emphasized that combating illicit petroleum trade aligns with the government’s mission to foster legitimate trade and secure petroleum movement.

He highlighted the integral link between reliable petroleum access and national security, citing its significance in fueling security operations and supporting critical infrastructure.

The surge in petroleum industry growth, however, has brought challenges, notably unauthorized refilling sites such as the tragic incident in Embakasi’s Mradi Area.

“It usually goes unsaid but access to reliable, quality petroleum products is deeply intertwined with national security as it influences security operations both in terms of fuel for vehicles and aircrafts as  well as power for police stations and communication systems, especially in far flung and hard to reach areas not yet connected to the national grid” said PS Omollo

PS Omollo stressed the urgency of enhancing enforcement through intelligence-led measures and advanced technology deployment for supply chain surveillance. He urged leveraging National Government Administrative Officers for enhanced inspections at the county level.

Furthermore, Omollo called for strengthening legal frameworks to impose stricter penalties and emphasized public education on the dangers of illegal petroleum usage.

Collaborative efforts between industry players, enforcement agencies, and public-private partnerships were advocated to tackle the issue comprehensively.

Highlighting the establishment of an Energy Police Unit, PS Omollo proposed its expansion to encompass broader enforcement responsibilities.