In an era where every drop of fuel counts, a new Italian technology introduced to the Kenyan market promises to slash fuel budgets by up to 25 percent, offering a lifeline to motorists battered by high pump prices.

The device, known as "Supertech," is being marketed by Hunters Realtime Ltd, a fleet management firm. According to CEO Dickson Karuga, the solid immersion gadget is dropped directly into the fuel tank of petrol, diesel, or ethanol engines. It works by optimizing the combustion process, which not only saves fuel but also drastically reduces harmful emissions.

How It Works

"When you open your engine, you find soot, which is unburned hydrocarbons," Karuga explained in an interview. "Our device cleans up that. The result is you get a cleaner, faster, stronger engine that works for a longer period." The firm claims the device can reduce gas emissions by up to 80 percent, positioning it as a climate change intervention tool as much as a cost-saving one.

• The Numbers:
  • Fuel Saving: 8% to 25% reduction in consumption.
  • Emission Cut: Up to 80% reduction in exhaust gases.
  • ROI: For a heavy commercial truck consuming hundreds of liters a week, the device could pay for itself in under a month.
• Market Validation: Karuga asserts the device has undergone rigorous market testing and has been approved for use in Kenya. It targets both individual motorists and large fleet operators looking to shave margins off their operating costs.

A timely solution?

With fuel prices in Nairobi hovering at historic highs, any innovation that improves mileage is likely to find a receptive market. If the 25 percent saving claim holds true in real-world driving conditions—notorious Nairobi traffic included—Supertech could become a standard fixture in Kenyan vehicles. However, as with all "magic bullet" fuel savers, the proof will be in the driving.