KPA Disputes Claims By Businesswoman Anne Njeri over Ownership Of 17 Billion Oil Consignment

The Kenya Ports Authority (KPA) has denied claims by local businesswoman Ann Njeri Njoroge, who alleges to be the rightful owner of a multi-billion-shilling oil consignment that was recently imported into the country.

Njoroge, who has reportedly gone missing since visiting the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) to file a complaint, claims that the oil consignment, valued at approximately Ksh17 billion, was illegally offloaded at the Port of Mombasa despite a valid court order.

However, KPA maintains that the oil was imported through a “Government-to-Government” arrangement with Aramco Trading Fujairah company and that Njoroge’s company, Ann’s Import and Export Enterprises Limited, was not authorized to receive the cargo.

KPA Board Chairman Benjamin Tayari explained that the agency’s records indicate that the oil consignment was loaded onto the tanker MT Maigui at the Saudi Arabian port of Yanbu in late September and was destined for Mombasa.

“Information and records in our possession show that MT Maigui loaded her cargo of Gasoil totaling 93,460.46 Metric Tons (under 4 Bills of Lading serialized 13768-000010 -13) between 26th and 28th September 2023 at Yanbui – Samref terminal, after which she departed for anchorage at Jeddah where she arrived on 29th October for cargo dopping and sampling. On 30th September 2023, she departed for Mombasa,” stated Tayari.

The KPA’s assertion contradicts Njoroge’s claims of ownership and raises questions about the legitimacy of her involvement in the oil importation process. The DCI is currently investigating the matter, and further details are expected to emerge in the coming days.