The Kenya Ports Authority has determined that supposed cargo documents submitted by Ann’s Import and Export Enterprises Limited for the oil tanker MT Haigui are invalid.
In a statement, KPA said Ann’s Import, whose cargo was linked to Dubai and Kilifi-based businesswoman Anne Njeri Njoroge, was not an approved recipient for the 93,460 tons of gasoil loaded by the tanker at the Saudi Arabian port of Yanbu in late September.
“The purported bill of lading falsely claims Ann’s Import was the shipper and consignee of all cargo aboard MT Haigui,” said Benjamin Tayari, Chairman of the Board for the Kenya Ports Authority. “However, our records clearly show the gasoil cargo loaded at Yanbu had approved consignees in Kenya, Uganda, South Sudan and the DRC. Ann’s Import was not one of them.”
The Kenya Ports Authority said it detected multiple anomalies in the purported bill of lading that cast doubt on its authenticity. While Ann’s Import claims the cargo was loaded in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia on October 9, 2023, the manifests and tracking data show MT Haigui loaded at Yanbu between September 26-28 before arriving in Mombasa on October 11 after a stop in Jeddah.
“It is simply impossible for the vessel to have loaded cargo in Jeddah on October 9 when it arrived in Mombasa two days later on the 11th, having just completed a 10-day voyage from Yanbu,” explained Tayari.
Additional inaccuracies found in the suspect document include incorrect information about the ship’s tonnage, cargo type and stamp, as well as a lack of the captain’s signature.
Tayari assured that Kenya Ports Authority strictly adheres to regulations designating approved oil importers, which did not include Ann’s Import for this shipment. “We always cross-check paperwork to ensure consignees match what was submitted by the shipper and approved by the Ministry of Energy,” he emphasized.
The Kenya Ports Authority said it continues to cooperate with investigators looking into the invalid bill of lading and remains committed to transparency.
“All original documentation related to this voyage is retained and available for review,” said Tayari. “We want to assure the public of our diligence in verifying imports through the Port of Mombasa.”
Of the 93,460 tons of gasoil aboard MT Haigui, 49,091 tons was destined for Kenya, with the remaining cargo in transit to neighboring countries. Discharge of the cargo commenced November 5 under supervision of appointed consignees.
