Over 150 illegal fuel dens cleared in Nairobi's Makadara
The raid was met with resistance from individuals suspected of being part of the illegal fuel network.
In a decisive multi-agency operation, more than 150 illegal fuel siphoning dens were demolished along Nairobi's Nanyuki Road in Industrial Area yesterday.
The crackdown, targeting suspected fuel cartels, aimed to curb significant tax evasion activities believed to be depriving the government of crucial revenue.
The operation, spearheaded by Makadara Deputy County Commissioner Philip Koima, was carried out in coordination with Makadara Police Commander Judith Nyongesa, County Inspectorate Director of Enforcement William Kangogo, and officials from the Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA).
The raid was met with resistance from individuals suspected of being part of the illegal fuel network.
However, the swift response of armed anti-riot and undercover officers ensured the operation proceeded without major disruptions.
Deputy County Commissioner Koima emphasized that although the operation had been planned for months, it faced delays due to the slow mobilization of necessary resources.
"We had several public participation forums attended by relevant stakeholders. Evacuation notices were issued to the illegal structure owners, advising them to vacate the protected and gazetted zone, but they defied," Koima said.
The operation was focused on removing the illegal structures and arresting those involved in unlawful activities within the gazetted area of the Nairobi depots.
Many of the demolished dens included kiosks, makeshift kitchens, and illegal electricity connections, all of which posed serious safety hazards, particularly due to the risk of fire and explosions from the petroleum products stored in these makeshift facilities.
More than 150 structures were cleared by earthmovers, and their occupants were forced to evacuate.
To prevent similar illegal activities from resurfacing in the future, institutional property owners along Nanyuki Road were advised to enhance landscaping and fortify their perimeter walls.
The multi-agency approach to the operation highlights the growing efforts to tackle fuel theft and the informal fuel trade, which has long been a problem in Nairobi’s industrial areas.
The demolition of the illegal fuel dens is expected to have a positive impact on the safety and security of the area while also ensuring the government’s tax revenue is safeguarded.
The authorities have vowed to continue monitoring and taking action against illegal activities within the region, signaling a broader commitment to fighting organized fuel theft networks that have thrived in the shadows for years.
