Kiharu MP Ndindi Nyoro sharply criticised the government over the latest increase in fuel prices, calling for immediate intervention to lower pump costs and ease pressure on Kenyans.
In a strongly worded statement on Wednesday, Nyoro accused the administration of failing to act on an “imminent crisis” that has been building since February, arguing that the current price adjustments are “unacceptable” and insensitive to struggling households.
“It has been laid bare that the government has not been keen or committed to providing a solution,” he said, urging authorities to urgently reduce fuel prices.
Nyoro warned that a lack of transparency in fuel pricing could trigger supply chain disruptions, including hoarding by dealers uncertain about cost structures.
“Failure to clearly communicate the composition of pricing may lead to hoarding, as dealers are not sure who is paying how much and for what,” he noted.
The MP dismissed the recently announced subsidy as insufficient, insisting that at least Sh10 billion should be released from the Fuel Stabilisation Fund—estimated at Sh20 billion—to cushion consumers up to mid-May.
He also took issue with the government’s VAT adjustments, terming the 3 percent reduction “a dry joke.”
“Fuel products must be VAT-exempt during this period,” Nyoro said, adding that VAT should first be reverted to 8 percent, as it was before 2023, before further reductions are considered.
In addition, he called for the removal of the Sh7 fuel levy introduced in 2024.
Nyoro outlined a set of measures he says could lower pump prices by up to Sh27 per litre.
They include removal of the Sh7 fuel levy introduced in 2024, additional 5 percent VAT reduction (about Sh8 per litre) and injection of Sh5 billion in subsidies (about Sh12 per litre).
“This is not a favour,” he said. “Kenyans are simply demanding the reinstatement of taxes and levies to the levels before 2023.”
Nyoro further questioned why Kenyans are paying higher prices despite global oil prices being lower than in 2022, when crude peaked at over $115 per barrel.
“Pump prices never exceeded Sh160 for petrol and Sh140 for diesel then. Why are Kenyans being made to pay more now when global prices are lower?” he posed.
He also raised concerns about the government-to-government (G-to-G) fuel import framework, alleging it lacks transparency and could be benefiting a few individuals at the expense of the public.
“The arrangement is a scam and a profit machine for leaders. Kenyans must be told the truth,” Nyoro claimed, while also calling for clarity on oil-related dealings in Turkana.
Nyoro emphasised that immediate action is needed, warning that delaying intervention until the next pricing cycle would further strain the economy.
“Kenyans cannot wait another month. Reduction in fuel prices must be done now,” he said.
His remarks come amid mounting public concern over rising transport costs and a broader increase in the cost of living, following the latest review by the Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority.
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