Kenya tightens petroleum transport rules after Sh197M accident losses
New regulations are now in place to improve safety in Kenya's petroleum transport sector. The Petroleum (Licensing of Petroleum Road Transportation Business) Regulations, 2025, introduce stricter rules for companies, drivers, and regulators. These changes come after recent accidents caused financial losses of over Sh197 million in just six months.
The rules aim to reduce risks by setting clear standards for licensing, vehicle conditions, and driver training. They also require companies to adopt structured safety systems for their fleets.
Between July and December 2025, accidents in Kenya's petroleum transport sector led to losses exceeding Sh197 million. Investigations showed that 83% of these incidents happened while moving petroleum products. Human error was identified as a major factor in most cases.
The new regulations now demand that transport firms set up Transport Safety Management Systems (TSMS). These must include GPS tracking for all vehicles, along with policies on risk assessment, driver training, and emergency response. Companies will also need to create detailed journey plans, covering safe routes, rest stops, and communication procedures.
While the rules are designed to cut accident rates, their impact remains unmeasured. No data yet exists on how these measures affect 'Near Miss' incidents, as the regulations are still recent. Experts stress that success depends on cooperation between regulators, oil firms, drivers, and the public.
The law also requires regular vehicle maintenance, fatigue management for drivers, and clear reporting of incidents. Authorities have made it clear that safety is a shared duty, involving everyone from policymakers to road users.
The focus now shifts to putting these plans into action. Companies must ensure their fleets meet the new standards, while regulators will monitor compliance across the sector.
The 2025 regulations set out a clear framework for safer petroleum transport in Kenya. Companies must now implement GPS tracking, journey management plans, and stricter driver training. With financial losses already high and human factors playing a key role in accidents, the rules aim to bring measurable improvements—though their full effect will take time to assess. Success will rely on consistent enforcement and collaboration between all involved parties.
