On September 11th 2015 the Energy Regulatory Commission in conjunction with SGS launched the self-testing kits for petroleum retailers known as the Retailer Self-Test Kit. The kit was introduced as a control step to curb product adulteration of motor fuels with domestic kerosene and introduction of export material into the local industry.
The Commission proactively engaged in adopting this technology with the support of the Kenya Bureau of Standards and Kenya Revenue Authority and awarded a contract for Marking and Monitoring of Petroleum Fuels through a competitive tender process. This contract was won by SGS Kenya Limited. The contractor distributes the test kits through established fuel depots throughout the country at a cost of KES 1,100.
The kit uses technology known as the Lateral Flow Device(LFD) that is easy to use and greatly reduces the time and cost of monitoring and testing of petroleum products.
How to use the Self-Test Kit
The Kit contains a pipette, a 2ml micro tube and the Lateral Flow Device (LFD). Once a sample of the motor fuel to be tested is obtained, a few drops should be placed over the well of the LFD. After 5 minutes the results should be ready.
- One line at C- Test was successful and the results show that Motor fuel contamination is detected.
- Two lines each at C and T – Test was successful and the results show that No motor fuel contamination has been detected.
- No Line at C –The Test was unsuccessful. You should Discard kit and repeat the test using a fresh kit.
Contaminated product should always be rejected.
In the case of Galana, the HSSEQ and Operations department should be notified immediately contamination is detected. All tested kits should be well labeled with details of that particular consignment. Photos should be taken to document the process and both the kit and the photos sent to Galana’s HSSEQ Manager and assistant.
Note that an individual test kit can only be used once. A fresh kit is required for any subsequent test.
