Kabarnet town in Baringo County has been thrown into uncertainty after reports of a sudden fuel shortage emerged just hours before the Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA) is expected to announce its monthly fuel price review.
The situation has sparked concern among residents, transport operators, and businesses who depend heavily on fuel for daily movement and economic activities. Several petrol stations in and around Kabarnet are reportedly experiencing low or completely depleted stocks, forcing motorists to scramble for the limited available supply.
According to local reports, matatu operators plying key routes such as Nakuru, Eldoret, and Marigat have been among the most affected, with some vehicles grounded due to lack of diesel and petrol. Long queues have also been witnessed at the few stations still dispensing fuel, as panic buying begins to set in among consumers fearing further shortages or price increases.
Growing anxiety ahead of EPRA review
The timing of the shortage has heightened tension, coming just before EPRA’s routine monthly fuel price adjustment, a period that often triggers speculation in the market. Many residents fear that the scarcity could be linked to anticipated price changes, leading to hoarding or delayed fuel distribution.
Although authorities have in previous statements assured the public of adequate national fuel stocks, intermittent supply disruptions have continued to be reported in different parts of the country, raising questions about distribution efficiency and market stability.
Transport sector under pressure
Public service vehicle operators in Kabarnet say the shortage is already affecting their operations and income. Some drivers have reported spending hours searching for fuel, while others have been forced to reduce trips or suspend operations altogether.
“This situation is hurting us because we depend on daily earnings. If there is no fuel, there is no business,” one driver lamented.
Economic ripple effect
Beyond transport, the shortage is expected to have a ripple effect on food prices and local businesses, as fuel is a key driver of logistics and supply chains. Traders fear that if the situation persists, the cost of goods may rise significantly in the coming days.
Uncertainty remains
As EPRA prepares to announce the new fuel prices, residents of Kabarnet remain on edge, hoping for both stabilization in supply and relief in pricing. However, analysts warn that global oil market pressures and local distribution challenges could continue to affect fuel availability in the short term.
For now, Kabarnet stands as another reminder of how sensitive Kenya’s fuel market has become—where price reviews, supply chains, and global events can quickly translate into local disruption.
