Vivo Energy Kenya’s effort to defend Shell V-Power after a storm of social media accusations has fallen flat, with many Kenyans accusing the company of ignoring their lived experiences.
Videos of alleged fake fuel being sold at Shell stations have gone viral, leaving Kenyans furious, especially as some claim the substandard fuel has damaged their vehicles.
The backlash reached fever pitch after whistleblower Nelson Amenya, known for exposing corporate scandals like the JKIA-Adani saga, shared how his car engine almost broke down after fueling at a Shell station.
Amenya’s account only added fuel to the fire, with countless Kenyans stepping forward to share similar horror stories of engine trouble after using Shell V-Power.
In the face of this growing public outrage, Vivo Energy issued a press release, claiming the accusations were baseless.
They cited independent laboratory tests conducted by Intertek Testing Services, which reportedly confirmed that Shell V-Power meets the required Research Octane Number (RON) of 95.
Samples taken on February 3 from six Nairobi stations, including Kilimani, Lavington, and Limuru Road, allegedly proved the fuel’s quality. Results ranged from 95.1 to 96.0, exceeding the industry standard.
According to the company, Shell V-Power is imported via specialized cargo ships and undergoes rigorous scrutiny before reaching the pumps.
But for many Kenyans, these assurances mean little. Social media has erupted with skepticism, with users accusing Vivo Energy of hiding behind “scientific jargon” and ignoring the real issues.
“What’s the point of lab tests if my car can’t move? Paper results won’t fix my engine!” posted one frustrated motorist.
Another user demanded accountability, calling for investigations into specific stations accused of selling substandard fuel.
The viral videos of tainted fuel, combined with firsthand accounts, have painted a grim picture for Shell. Critics argue that Vivo Energy’s presser failed to address the heart of the issue: the growing mistrust between Kenyan consumers and big corporations.
For many, this isn’t just about Shell V-Power. It’s a larger question about whether companies operating in Kenya are held to account when they fail their customers.
In a country where stories of compromised products and lax regulation are common, the outrage over Shell is just the latest chapter in a longer narrative of corporate impunity.
