But total share is doing well

With reference to "fixed margins" juzi tu these very characters(KK et al)opposed the proposed scrapping of fuel price control...hii watu pana eleweka.

HNW bugger has exited by huge volume.
Any news in this counter.

The pendulum has stalled,no demand

Hmmm, a view that's 180 degrees from Warren Buffett's take. I do not know your history of investment performance [not saying you aren't right] BUT I think I'll stick with WB's philosophy for now of buying/holding quality firms at fair prices.

FY 2017 will be a record breaking year for KK.
FY 2018 will be tougher but if Ohana sticks to his non-gambling [no naked forex or fuel hedges] ways, KK should do fine.
I wonder if KK can gain market share from independents as fuel prices rise?
Do the good guys in GoK/ERC/MoE have the balls and power to significantly reduce smuggling, tax evasion, fuel adulteration and mismanagement of ullage?

Next market share report for OMCs should be interesting.

On all major Highways i have noticed a lot of Shell & Total petrol stations owned by our Somali brothers opening up - leveraging on the big brands as opposed to opening Petrol Stations with unknown names.

Maybe KenolKobil need also to partner up with our Somali brothers to increase their petrol stations numbers.

KK runs a "franchise model" and anyone can partner and become a franchisee.
Many stations aren't run by "individuals" but by groups who put in systems. With the increasing use of the K-Card, credit/debit cards and Mobile Money, the need to monitor cash receipts will reduce but not eliminated.
Tech should help reduce fraud i.e. automatic sensors for fuel delivery, etc. That said one does need GOOD and HONEST employees just as they are required in any business.

I expect sales (volumes) will pick up in 2018 as we leave the election season behind. The same share of a bigger pie will help KK though the increased cost of financing pricier cargoes will hurt profits for all OMCs.

KK has the ability to finance OTS cargoes thanks to its improved relationship with banks esp the Dutch banks [Ohana mentioned Dutch banks are cheaper/better than French banks]

The big "unknown" is how far low will HNW's estate go to cash out. Could it be a buying opportunity? Will they sell in (smaller) blocks OR find a strategic investor to take them out?

Thanks, now I know.

That's how Shah made his fortune via KCB

I've noted too. Between Nairobi and machakos junction, so many big big stations. KK should get one or 2 there. There are so many trucks + jam on the route which could translate to more sales