Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology (MMUST) has confirmed that a countrywide fuel shortage disrupted its transport logistics, delaying a Marine Biology field trip to Mombasa for 176 biology students.
In a memo dated April 8, the university said its contracted supplier, Vivo Energy, was unable to supply fuel, leading to the postponement of the trip scheduled for April 7, 2026.
“There has been a country-wide shortage of fuel in Kenya in the recent past. As a result, transport and logistics have been constrained in the last few days. Vivo Energy (Shell), the contracted supplier to MMUST, was unable to supply fuel. This affected a field course (Marine Biology) trip to Mombasa, which was scheduled to commence on 7th April, 2026,” read part of the memo.
MMUST Faces Fuel Shortage Causing Delay for Academic Trip
MMUST noted that the situation has since been resolved and that students are now expected to depart for Mombasa on April 9, 2026.
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The institution also apologized for the inconvenience and urged students and staff to bear with the disruption.
“The situation has since been addressed, and students are expected to leave for Mombasa tomorrow, 9th April, 2026. We regret any inconveniences caused and urge the MMUST fraternity to bear with us during this time,” read part of the memo.
According to reports, students had prepared to travel from Kakamega early in the morning, gathering at the university parking lot before dawn and waiting for hours to board three buses for the academic trip.
However, hours of waiting passed with no clear explanation, leading to growing frustration.
Later, the students reportedly waited until mid-afternoon before learning that the buses could not depart due to a lack of fuel.
Motorist Faces Fuel Shortage Across the Country
The MMUST disruption comes amid a broader fuel shortage across Kenya.
Drivers have said that the situation has affected their travel plans, with some urging fellow motorists to refuel whenever possible.
They have also expressed frustration, with some motorists suggesting the shortages may be artificially induced.
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Additionally, some drivers reported that major stations had either run out of petrol or were only selling limited premium options.
In Mombasa and Kakamega, the situation is dire, with motorists reporting that some petrol stations are closed.
Some pump stations in these areas are reportedly out of fuel, with retailers accusing major oil marketers of hoarding fuel and awaiting a review of fuel prices.
Reports indicate long queues are forming in Mombasa as motorists seek to fuel, while some pump stations are setting hard caps on the amount each motorist can buy.
