Can private companies import crude oil into Kenya?

Crude oil imports are controlled by Kenya's Open Tender System (OTS). Private companies cannot independently import crude.

Are refined products (diesel, fuel oil, gasoline) tradeable by private importers in Kenya?

Yes — private importers can bring in refined products with standard licensing.

Does OilFlow screen listings against Kenya regulations?

Yes. The same rule table shown on this page drives the matching engine — buyer-side listings that can't legally clear in Kenya are rejected before they reach a seller.

All countries

Regulatory

Kenya — oil import rules

2 product categories open to private trade, 1 restricted, 0 blocked. These are the same rules the OilFlow matching engine uses when screening listings destined for Kenya.

Product-by-product

Crude oil: Restricted — government/monopoly routeCrude oil imports are controlled by Kenya's Open Tender System (OTS). Private companies cannot independently import crude.
Refined products (diesel, fuel oil, gasoline, jet): Allowed for private tradeStandard licensing applies. No special restrictions recorded.
LPG: Allowed for private tradeStandard licensing applies. No special restrictions recorded.

Frequently asked

Can private companies import crude oil into Kenya?: Crude oil imports are controlled by Kenya's Open Tender System (OTS). Private companies cannot independently import crude.
Are refined products (diesel, fuel oil, gasoline) tradeable by private importers in Kenya?: Yes — private importers can bring in refined products with standard licensing.
Does OilFlow screen listings against Kenya regulations?: Yes. The same rule table shown on this page drives the matching engine — buyer-side listings that can't legally clear in Kenya are rejected before they reach a seller.

Work this corridor

OilFlow Network screens every listing against these rules before it reaches the matching engine. Founding partners see matched counterparties flagged for regulatory fit automatically.