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Policy Issues

The Petroleum Institute of East Africa (PIEA) works collaboratively with government, regulators, industry stakeholders and development partners to strengthen petroleum policy, improve regulatory frameworks, promote investment, enhance public safety and support sustainable growth across the East African petroleum sector.

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1999

PIEA Established

25+

Years of Industry Leadership

100+

Industry Stakeholders

EAC

Regional Representation

Home / Policy Issues

Shaping the Future of Petroleum Policy in East Africa

The Petroleum Institute of East Africa (PIEA) collaborates with Government, regulators, industry leaders and development partners to strengthen petroleum policies, improve regulatory frameworks, promote investment, enhance public safety and support sustainable energy development across the East African region.

Policy Priorities Policy Documents

Policy Focus Areas

  • ✔ Petroleum Regulation & Licensing
  • ✔ LPG Safety & Consumer Protection
  • ✔ Industry Standards & Compliance
  • ✔ Infrastructure Development
  • ✔ Environmental Sustainability
  • ✔ Regional Energy Integration

1999

PIEA Founded

25+

Years of Industry Leadership

100+

Industry Stakeholders

EAC

Regional Policy Engagement

Policy Priorities

Current Policy Priorities

PIEA works closely with Government, regulators, industry stakeholders and development partners to strengthen the petroleum sector through sound policy, safety standards, innovation and sustainable development.

⛽

Petroleum Regulation

Support the development and implementation of effective petroleum laws, regulations and governance frameworks that promote transparency, investment and fair competition.

Learn More →
🔥

LPG Safety

Enhance consumer protection through safe handling, cylinder management, quality assurance, licensing compliance and nationwide public awareness programmes.

Safety Guidelines →
⚖️

Industry Standards

Promote internationally recognised petroleum standards, operational excellence, quality assurance and compliance across the downstream petroleum industry.

View Standards →
🌱

Energy Transition

Support cleaner fuels, environmental sustainability, ESG initiatives and the gradual transition towards a secure, low-carbon energy future.

Read More →
🏗️

Infrastructure Development

Encourage investment in petroleum infrastructure including pipelines, storage terminals, transport networks and regional energy integration.

Infrastructure →
🤝

Stakeholder Engagement

Facilitate dialogue between Government, regulators, investors, marketers, consumers and development partners to shape effective petroleum policies.

Engage With Us →
Policy Development

Key Regulatory Changes

PIEA continues to support regulatory reforms that strengthen the petroleum industry, enhance public safety, encourage investment and improve compliance with national and regional petroleum legislation.

2019

Petroleum Act, 2019

Introduced a comprehensive legal framework governing the petroleum sector, licensing, infrastructure development and downstream operations.

2019

Energy Act, 2019

Established a modern regulatory environment for energy markets, consumer protection, licensing and sustainable energy development.

2021

LPG Safety Regulations

Strengthened consumer safety through cylinder ownership, inspection requirements, branding and handling standards.

2023

Digital Licensing

Expansion of online licensing and regulatory reporting systems to improve transparency, efficiency and compliance monitoring.

2024

Infrastructure & Investment

Policy focus shifted towards petroleum infrastructure expansion, regional energy integration and investment promotion.

Ongoing

Energy Transition

Supporting cleaner fuels, ESG initiatives, environmental sustainability and policies that facilitate a balanced transition towards a lower-carbon economy.

Legal Framework

Petroleum Acts & Regulations

Access key legislation, regulations, technical guidelines and policy documents governing the petroleum industry in Kenya and the East African region.

📘

Petroleum Act, 2019

The principal legislation governing upstream, midstream and downstream petroleum activities in Kenya.

PDF Official Act
⬇ Download PDF
⚖️

Energy Act, 2019

Provides the legal framework for energy regulation, licensing and consumer protection.

PDF Government
⬇ Download PDF
🔥

LPG Regulations

Guidelines governing LPG licensing, cylinder ownership, safety and consumer protection.

PDF Regulation
⬇ Download PDF
🛢️

Petroleum Standards

Technical standards supporting petroleum quality, infrastructure, storage and distribution.

PDF Standards
⬇ Download PDF
🌍

Environmental Guidelines

Environmental management requirements for petroleum operations and sustainable development.

PDF Guidelines
⬇ Download PDF
📑

EPRA Guidelines

Licensing procedures, compliance requirements and operational guidance issued by EPRA.

PDF Guidelines
⬇ Download PDF
Licensing Framework

Petroleum Licensing Categories

Petroleum business activities are subject to licensing requirements under the applicable petroleum and energy laws. The appropriate licence depends on the nature of the business activity and regulatory approval by the relevant authority.

🛢️

Import Licence

Required for companies importing petroleum products into Kenya through approved entry points.

🏭

Storage Licence

Applies to petroleum storage terminals, depots and LPG storage facilities.

🚛

Transport Licence

Required for transportation of petroleum products by road, rail or pipeline.

⛽

Retail Licence

Authorises operation of fuel service stations and petroleum retail outlets.

📦

Wholesale Licence

For companies supplying petroleum products in bulk to commercial customers.

🌍

Export Licence

Required for exportation of petroleum products to regional and international markets.

Licence Category Business Activity Typical Applicants Regulatory Requirement Status
Import Licence Importation of petroleum products Oil Marketing Companies Approval before importation Required
Storage Licence Bulk storage terminals Depot Operators Facility inspection & compliance Required
Transport Licence Road, rail & pipeline transport Transporters Safety and operational standards Required
Retail Licence Fuel stations & LPG retail Retail Operators Site licensing & inspections Required
Wholesale Licence Bulk petroleum distribution Distributors Commercial licensing Required
Export Licence Export of petroleum products Export Companies Export authorisation Required
Important Notice

Licensing requirements, application procedures and compliance obligations are governed by the relevant petroleum and energy legislation and administered by the appropriate regulatory authority. Applicants should ensure they meet all statutory, environmental, technical and safety requirements before commencing petroleum operations.

Industry Compliance

Responsibilities

Maintaining a safe, efficient and sustainable petroleum industry requires shared responsibility between petroleum marketers, regulators and consumers. Compliance with applicable laws, regulations and safety standards protects lives, property and the environment.

🏭

Petroleum Marketers

  • Obtain and maintain all required licences before commencing operations.
  • Comply with petroleum, environmental and occupational safety regulations.
  • Ensure petroleum products meet approved national quality standards.
  • Maintain safe storage, transportation and handling facilities.
  • Conduct routine inspection and maintenance of petroleum infrastructure.
  • Keep accurate operational, inventory and compliance records.
  • Provide staff with continuous safety training and emergency preparedness.
  • Promote fair competition, ethical business practices and consumer protection.
  • Report incidents, accidents and regulatory breaches promptly to the relevant authorities.
  • Support environmental conservation through responsible petroleum operations.
👨‍👩‍👧‍👦

Consumers

  • Purchase petroleum products only from licensed service stations and dealers.
  • Inspect LPG cylinders and safety seals before purchase.
  • Follow manufacturer and supplier safety instructions when handling petroleum products.
  • Store petroleum products safely and away from ignition sources.
  • Report suspected fuel adulteration or unsafe petroleum practices.
  • Return LPG cylinders through authorised exchange or return programmes.
  • Keep children away from petroleum storage areas and LPG installations.
  • Report petroleum emergencies immediately to the appropriate authorities.
  • Support environmental protection through responsible use and disposal practices.
  • Remain informed about current petroleum safety guidelines and regulatory updates.

Shared Responsibility

A safe and sustainable petroleum industry depends on collaboration between Government, regulators, petroleum companies, transporters, marketers and consumers. Compliance with legislation, adoption of industry best practices and continuous public awareness are essential to protecting people, infrastructure and the environment while supporting national and regional energy security.

Policy Development

Policy Development Process

PIEA works collaboratively with Government, regulators, industry players and development partners to develop practical, transparent and evidence-based petroleum policies that promote safety, investment, innovation and sustainable growth.

🤝

Industry Consultation

Stakeholder engagement, technical working groups and industry consultations identify challenges, opportunities and emerging priorities.

Step 1
📝

Policy Drafting

Technical experts prepare draft legislation, standards, regulations and policy recommendations based on stakeholder input and research.

Step 2
👥

Stakeholder Review

Draft policies are reviewed through public participation, industry consultations and inter-agency collaboration before approval.

Step 3
✔️

Government Approval

The relevant Government institutions approve and gazette the policy, regulation or legislative framework.

Step 4
⚙️

Implementation

The approved policy is implemented through licensing, regulatory oversight, capacity building and industry compliance programmes.

Step 5
📊

Monitoring & Review

Continuous monitoring, compliance audits and periodic reviews ensure the policy remains effective and responsive to industry developments.

Step 6

Continuous Improvement

Policy development is an ongoing process. PIEA regularly engages stakeholders, analyses industry data, reviews emerging technologies, and collaborates with Government and regional institutions to ensure petroleum policies remain relevant, practical and aligned with national development goals, regional integration and global best practices.

Frequently Asked Questions

Policy Issues FAQs

Find answers to commonly asked questions about petroleum policy, licensing, regulations, compliance and industry standards.

The petroleum industry is regulated under applicable petroleum and energy legislation by the relevant Government authorities. PIEA works closely with regulators and industry stakeholders to promote compliance, best practices and professional standards.

PIEA represents industry stakeholders by contributing to policy discussions, promoting professional standards, supporting capacity building and engaging Government on petroleum legislation, regulations and industry best practices.

Businesses involved in petroleum importation, storage, transportation, wholesale distribution, retail marketing and other regulated petroleum activities are generally required to obtain the appropriate licences from the relevant regulatory authority.

Unsafe petroleum handling, fuel quality concerns or suspected regulatory breaches should be reported promptly to the relevant regulatory authority. Consumers are encouraged to purchase petroleum products only from licensed dealers.

Relevant legislation, policy documents, technical guidelines and industry publications can be accessed through the PIEA Resource Centre and official Government publications.

Yes. Through the School of Petroleum Studies, PIEA offers specialised petroleum training programmes covering technical operations, safety, management, regulatory compliance and professional development.

Still Have Questions?

Our Policy and Regulatory Affairs team is available to provide additional guidance on petroleum legislation, licensing, standards and compliance.

Contact PIEA
Resource Centre

Downloads Centre

Access petroleum legislation, policy papers, standards, technical publications, research reports and industry guidelines published by PIEA.

📘
ACT

Petroleum Act 2019

Main legislation governing petroleum activities.

📄 PDF
2.4 MB
32 Pages
Updated 2026
Preview Download
⚖️
REGULATION

LPG Regulations

Safety, licensing and operational requirements.

📄 PDF
1.7 MB
25 Pages
Updated 2025
Preview Download
📊
REPORT

State of the Petroleum Industry

Industry trends, market insights and policy analysis.

📄 PDF
5.8 MB
84 Pages
2026 Edition
Preview Download
Contact PIEA

Need Policy Guidance or Regulatory Support?

The Petroleum Institute of East Africa (PIEA) is committed to promoting sound petroleum policies, professional standards and industry collaboration. Whether you are seeking guidance on petroleum legislation, regulatory compliance, industry standards or partnership opportunities, our team is ready to assist.

Contact Us Become a Member

Policy & Regulatory Affairs

📧

Email

info@petroleum.co.ke

📞

Telephone

+254 722 221120
020 2249081

📍

Office

Petroleum Institute of East Africa (PIEA)
Nairobi, Kenya

🕒

Office Hours

Monday – Friday
8:00 AM – 5:00 PM

⚖️
Policy Development
Supporting evidence-based petroleum policies
🤝
Industry Collaboration
Working with regulators and stakeholders
📚
Knowledge Centre
Access industry publications and resources