The Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA) has announced the rollout of a biofuel blending programme to reduce Kenya’s dependence on imported fuel and stabilise pump prices amid the ongoing Middle East crisis.

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The move follows the implementation of the Biofuels Regulations of 2025, which will allow Kenya to start mixing small amounts of locally produced ethanol with regular petrol.

"The initiative is part of broader national efforts to strengthen energy security, diversify energy sources, and reduce dependence on imported fuel," EPRA announced.

Under the plan, some fuel will contain 5 per cent ethanol while others will contain 10 per cent ethanol as the government pushes for cheaper and cleaner energy alternatives.

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Speaking during a high-level stakeholder consultation bringing together oil marketers, ethanol producers, and manufacturers, EPRA Acting Director General Joseph Oketch said the country must gradually reduce its exposure to external fuel shocks.

“The biofuels regulations provide Kenya with an important opportunity to strengthen energy security while building new local industries around agriculture, manufacturing, and renewable energy,” Oketch said.

Oketch disclosed that expanding domestic bioethanol production would help cushion Kenya from fluctuating global fuel prices while creating new opportunities for farmers, investors, and manufacturers.

Bioethanol used in the blending programme will be produced locally from crops and organic materials such as sugarcane molasses, cassava, maize, and sorghum through fermentation and distillation processes.

The initiative comes at a time when many countries are turning to alternative fuels to reduce reliance on imported fuel amid the ongoing war between the U.S. and Iran.

Secretary for Renewable Energy at the Ministry, Isaac Kiva, said increasing local ethanol production could help support cleaner transport fuels while lowering the country’s fuel import bill.

📰 Source: Kenyans.co.ke