Kiharu MP Ndindi Nyoro has warned that Kenya is ill-prepared to handle a potential fuel crisis, accusing senior officials of exploiting the current situation for personal gain.
In a strongly worded statement, Nyoro said the country risks severe economic shocks if urgent measures are not taken to stabilise fuel supply and prices.
He criticised what he described as complacency among leaders, noting that other countries are already implementing far-reaching interventions while Kenya remains largely reactive.
The legislator also alleged that some officials had interfered with the Government-to-Government (G-to-G) fuel supply framework, undermining its intended purpose.
According to Nyoro, the arrangement has been turned into a scheme benefiting a few individuals rather than safeguarding national energy security.
He further claimed that individuals linked to the G-to-G fuel deal are also involved in the exploitation of Turkana oil resources, raising concerns over conflict of interest and “high-level patronage” within the energy sector. Nyoro alleged that these actors are pushing for favourable policies, including Special Economic Zone status for certain companies, to avoid tax obligations and maximise profits.
The MP criticised a proposed bill in Parliament, which he claimed is designed to grant a specific company undue advantage in fuel resource exploitation.
He warned that such moves could stifle private sector participation and entrench monopolistic control.
To cushion Kenyans from rising fuel costs and prevent economic strain, Nyoro proposed a series of urgent interventions. These include increasing fuel subsidies, removing or reducing VAT on petroleum products, and cutting fuel levies introduced in recent years.
He noted that taxes and levies account for nearly half of pump prices, arguing that the government has sufficient room to lower costs if decisive action is taken.
Nyoro urged authorities to implement the measures before the next fuel price review scheduled for mid-April.
The MP also dismissed external explanations for potential fuel price hikes, insisting that the government must prioritise immediate domestic solutions to protect consumers and businesses.
“Time is of the essence,” Nyoro said, calling on leaders to set aside politics and address what he termed a critical economic issue affecting all sectors.
His remarks come amid heightened scrutiny of Kenya’s fuel supply chain following recent investigations into alleged irregularities in petroleum procurement.
This came as three top government officials in the energy sector resigned over a scandal of importing substandard fuel into the country.
The officials who have stepped down include Principal Secretary for Petroleum Mohamed Liban, Managing Director of Kenya Pipeline Company Joe Sang, and Director General of the Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority Daniel Kiptoo Bargoria.
Administrative actions have been initiated against Joseph Wafula (deputy director of Petroleum) and Joel Mburu (supply and logistics manager).
According to the government, the alleged falsification of fuel stock data led to the procurement of an emergency fuel shipment at inflated prices and outside the established Government-to-Government (G2G) fuel supply framework.
The cargo is also reported to have been of substandard quality.
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