Three trucks nabbed , four people arrested in a multi agency crackdown on illegal petroleum products in Nairobi’s Bahati area.
The crackdown led by Energy Regulatory Commission CEO Parvel Oimek discovered at least 1000 litres of petroleum products.
Oimek says the crackdown also found illegal power connections that are posing a risk to the residents.
ERC Director General has warned cartels and operators involved in the illegal transportation of petroleum products.
“We found about 1,000 litres of petroleum products. It is not clear if it is diesel. We will find out after investigations,” Oimeke said.
He said the crackdown will continue until all illegal dealers are arrested. Oimeke said better policies are formed to regulate the sector.
According to Oimek the multi agency crackdowns have been done around the country with more than 300 people being arrested and being charged in court.
Oimek has issued a warning to those still engaging in the illegal business that their time is up and have requested the public to report such occurrences.
“We will suspend your license and put tracking systems in your trucks. We have revoked the licences of some trucks,” the ERC boss said.
Oimeke said the new regulations will take effect once Energy Cabinet Secretary Charles Keter.
He said the commission will have access to tracking data of trucks.
“We will be able to monitor the movement of petroleum products. If they there is a diversion we will come and verify the destination of the truck,” Oimeke said.
He denied claims that ERC officers are working in cohorts with rogue vendors.
“There is no collaboration between our staff and the operators. We only have legitimate businesses,” he said.
Oimeke said his team will continue collaborating with the multi-agency team on counterfeit products and DCI detectives to apprehend culprits.
He said truck drivers are the main culprits.