Kenya is moving ahead with the implementation of its new biofuel regulations, paving the way for the phased introduction of locally produced biofuel blends as part of efforts to enhance energy security, diversify fuel sources and reduce dependence on imported petroleum products.
The rollout of the Energy (Biofuels) Regulations, 2025, marks a significant step in the country's transition towards greater use of renewable fuels and domestic feedstocks across the transport energy sector, KBC reported.
To support implementation, the Ministry of Energy and Petroleum and the Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA) recently held a high-level stakeholder consultation involving regulators, oil marketing companies, ethanol producers, manufacturers, logistics providers and other industry participants.
The discussions focused on industry readiness, infrastructure requirements, implementation priorities and the practical rollout of Kenya's biofuel blending framework.
Gazetted in December 2025, the regulations establish guidelines for the production, licensing, blending, transportation, storage, distribution and sale of biofuels. The framework provides for the phased introduction of E5 and E10 fuel blends, containing 5 percent and 10 percent bioethanol respectively.
The initiative comes as many countries seek to improve fuel resilience and reduce vulnerability to global oil market volatility and geopolitical disruptions.
Kenya's biofuel programme will primarily rely on locally available feedstocks such as sugarcane molasses, cassava, maize and sorghum for bioethanol production. Bioethanol is produced through fermentation and distillation processes, while biodiesel is derived from vegetable oils, used cooking oil and other organic materials through chemical processing.
These biofuels can also serve as feedstocks for the production of Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF), which is gaining importance globally as the aviation industry seeks to reduce carbon emissions.
Countries including Brazil, India, United States, Thailand and South Africa have already expanded biofuel blending programmes to improve energy security, support agriculture and lower transport emissions.
Kenya aims to follow a similar path by utilising domestic agricultural feedstocks, creating new opportunities across farming, manufacturing, logistics and renewable energy sectors.
Speaking during the consultation, Joseph Oketch said the new regulations offer Kenya an opportunity to strengthen energy security while supporting the growth of industries linked to agriculture, manufacturing and renewable energy.
He noted that expanding domestic bioethanol production and structured blending could gradually reduce the country’s exposure to external fuel market disruptions while generating new opportunities for farmers, investors and businesses throughout the value chain.
Meanwhile, Isaac Kiva, Secretary for Renewable Energy in the State Department for Energy under the Ministry of Energy and Petroleum, said the government remains committed to creating a supportive environment for long-term investment and growth in the biofuels sector.
The biofuel blending programme is expected to play a key role in Kenya's broader strategy to build a more resilient and diversified energy system while supporting economic development through locally sourced renewable fuels.