Eid Mubarak! and welcome to the Wednesday edition of the Evening Brief Newsletter where EPRA is flagging petrol stations over the quality of fuel products sold to motorists.
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EPRA Flags 44 Stations
The Energy Petroleum and Regulatory Authority (EPRA) has revealed its findings from inspections that were conducted among various petrol stations across the country.
In its Bi-Annual Energy & Petroleum Statistics Report covering the 2023/2024 Financial Year, the authority revealed that over 40 outlets were found to be non-compliant with regard to the standards of petroleum standards they sell.
EPRA noted that it conducted 14,552 tests between July to December 2023 with 44 petrol stations flagged in the process.
As a result, the petrol stations were fined with others closed for selling adulterated fuel to motorists.
"When selecting sample sites, the Authority takes into account various factors, including the need for nationwide coverage, intelligence gathered through surveillance efforts and feedback from the public.
"During the period under review, the Authority conducted 14,552 sample tests at 3,150 petroleum outlets across the country Out of the tests carried out, 3,106 stations equivalent to 98.6 per cent were found to be compliant. However, 44 stations were non-compliant, and appropriate penalties were imposed as per the relevant legislation," read the report in part.
Between October to December 2023 alone, 18 petrol stations had some of their dispensing pumps sealed and closed. Diesel and Super Petrol pumps were the most affected.
Fines imposed during that period also ranged between Ksh100,000 and Ksh1 million.
In terms of towns, the stations that were based in Tharaka Nithi, Bungoma, Nakuru, Kajiado, Embu, Kirinyaga, Embu, Muranga and Nandi.
Meanwhile, between January and March 2024, EPRA listed 15 petrol stations that were selling adulterated fuel to motorists. The affected stations were in Machakos, Kakamega, Homa Bay, Kisumu, and Meru.
My colleague Derrick Kubasu covered the closure of the 15 stations. Read the edition here.
The Data Point
Have you ever wondered which regions in Kenya consume the highest electrical power? While Nairobi tops the list, South Nyanza is lagging.
In its report, EPRA highlighted that Nairobi utilises 2,293.95 Gigawatt hour (GWh), followed by the Coast region at 930 GWh.
“During the review period, Nairobi was the highest consumer of electrical energy, utilising 2,293.95 GWh. This constituted 44.07 per cent of the country’s total energy consumption. Covering parts of Kajiado, Machakos, and Makueni Counties.
“The region stands out with its dense concentration of large and medium industries, micro and small enterprises, making it the commercial hub of both the country and the East African Community (EAC) region," read the report in part.
KNEC System That Could Not Accept a Misus Sign
Just how genuine are the 2023 KCSE Results?
Months after debate on the errors were reported in the 2023 national examinations, the Kenyan National Examinations Council (KNEC) has admitted a system error.
According to KNEC officials who appeared before the National Assembly Education Committee on Tuesday, April 9, it was revealed that a system error awarded some students higher grades than what they were to get.
In particular, the officials indicated that the system error did not allow for the minus (-) mark to be put on some of the mean grades.
"According to documents submitted before the Education Committee, KNEC officials encountered technical difficulties during the printing process, leading to the omission of minus signs (-) for some grades.
"This means some students' grades were printed as, for example, a D (plain) instead of a D- (minus)," read the report by Parliament.
Out of the 899, 453 candidates who sat for the 2023 exam, 3,018 candidates across 1,059 examination centres nationwide received higher grades.
"KNEC assured the Committee that the online portal reflected the accurate results. The discrepancies were solely in the printed nominal rolls distributed to schools. The council has since delivered corrected printouts to affected schools," the report added.
Here are the top five stories for the day;
Mass firings loom as 197 CEOs reveal plans to reduce their workforce within the next 3 months.
Former Prime Minister Raila Odinga faces tough contenders for the AUC chairperson post. Samuel Mwananjuguna details the credentials of his rivals.
Plan Ahead: Four food items that are set to increase in prices this month.
Win for Kenyan Athletes as World Athletics introduces prize-winning awards for winners ahead of the Paris Olympics slated for July this year.
As the rains continue, here are tips on how you can survive in case of floods.
This newsletter was written by Washington Mito and edited by Brian Muuo.
Derrick Kubasu contributed to the content.
Graphics prepared by Adongo Kyalo and Ronnie Mbugua.
