COFEK moves to court over ‘cancer-causing’ chemicals in Kenyan fuel
COFEK moves to court over 'cancer-causing' chemicals in Kenyan fuel
The Consumers Federation of Kenya (COFEK) has announcing legal action over alleged dangerous and carcinogenic chemicals found in fuel linked to Kenya’s marking programme.
In a statement on Wednesday, April 15, the consumer lobby explained that it sought external verification to establish the truth about the fuel contamination claims.
“COFEK commissioned independent analysis BY Conti Testing Laboratories, Bethel Park, Pennsylvania, USA – an internationally accredited facility – to examine fuel samples drawn from Kenya’s fuel supply chain,” the statement read.
According to COFEK, the results confirmed the presence of carcinogenic halogenated bromides in fuel intended for regional transit, as well as in fuel already distributed within Kenya.
It further pointed out that unmarked domestic fuel samples did not show similar contamination, directly linking the issue to the marking process used by SICPA SA.
“These findings represent a serious public health emergency that demands immediate regulatory and legal intervention,” the statement added.
COFEK has confirmed that it will move to court to stop the continued use of the marking system and hold those involved accountable.
“COFEK confirms that it will tomorrow, Thursday, April 16, 2026, file court proceedings seeking the permanent ban of Swiss firms SICPA SA and SGS from doing business within Kenya’s fuel sector,” the statement continued.
According to COFEK, the planned legal challenge will be based on claims of unethical and unfair trade practices, anti-competitive conduct that allegedly created a monopoly, and actions that have directly harmed both the economy and public health.
It argued that the situation goes beyond commercial misconduct and represents a serious breach of public trust and safety.
“COFEK strongly holds that no foreign firm, however well-connected, may conduct business in Kenya in a manner that endangers the lives and livelihoods of citizens with fraud and impunity, such as that displayed by SICPA SA,” the statement further read.
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COFEK insisted that fuel safety is a fundamental public interest that cannot be compromised under any circumstances.
“The deliberate introduction of carcinogenic substances into fuel consumed by millions of Kenyans, whether knowingly or through gross negligence, constitutes a fundamental violation of consumer rights, public health law, and constitutional guarantees.
“There is no regulatory discretion, commercial arrangement or diplomatic consideration that can override the right of Kenyans to safe, uncontaminated fuel,” the statement noted.
Beyond health concerns, COFEK also raised security risks, noting that the marker composition appears easy to detect and analyse.
“Furthermore, the apparent ease with which the marker composition can be detected and analyzed constitutes a fundamental security flaw. It suggests that sophisticated illicit actors may rapidly reverse-engineer the marker and adapt their practices to circumvent controls, effectively neutralising the purpose of the marking system,” the statement explained.
In addition to the civil proceedings, COFEK revealed plans to pursue criminal accountability against individuals linked to the scandal.
COFEK is also demanding immediate regulatory intervention from the Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority, calling for the suspension of the fuel marking programme, recall and testing of affected fuel, and full transparency regarding the chemical composition of the markers used.
It maintains that the public has a right to full disclosure and accountability, especially in matters affecting health and safety.
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