Oil marketers paralyze operations at KRA-KPC depot over corruption, inefficiency
Protesters said the inefficiencies cost them business, with trucks delayed for three to four days—sometimes longer—incurring demurrage and warehouse penalties.
Operations at the Kenya Pipeline Company (KPC) depot in Eldoret were paralyzed on July 1, 2025, as oil marketers and shippers protested against Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) customs officers, citing alleged corruption, absenteeism, and delays in cargo clearance.
By Juliet Jerotich
Operations at the Kenya Pipeline Company (KPC) depot in Eldoret were paralyzed Tuesday as oil marketers and shippers staged protests against Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) customs officers over alleged corruption, absenteeism, and delays in clearing cargo, July 1, 2025.
Dozens of demonstrators blocked the main gate to the KRA customs yard at the North Rift Depot, demanding the immediate removal of key officers they accused of facilitating bribery and slowing the release of petroleum trucks intended for regional markets in Uganda, South Sudan, and the Democratic Republic of Congo.
“The officers come to work drunk, demand bribes, and punish us with unjustified fines,” said Muioti Ambani, an oil marketer at the depot. “We’ve been raising these issues for over two years with no action. We’ve had enough.”
Protesters said the inefficiencies cost them business, with trucks delayed for three to four days—sometimes longer—incurring demurrage and warehouse penalties. They also cited instances where customs officers failed to report to work, arriving late or skipping shifts entirely.
“They ask for Ksh200,000 fines for no reason. They leave trucks idle for days, and when we complain, they threaten us or say they’re protected by higher offices,” Ambani added.
The protests follow the recent integration of KPC’s SAP system with KRA’s Integrated Customs Management System (iCMS), a project meant to streamline cargo clearance and improve supply chain logistics. However, oil marketers argue the benefits remain unrealized due to continued human inefficiencies.
The marketers demanded the transfer of specific officers, including the resident station manager and several customs officials by name, alleging persistent misconduct.
KRA officials were not immediately available for comment but have indicated a formal response will be issued in writing.
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