Deputy President Kithure Kindiki has informed Kenyans that authorities are considering all available strategies to protect consumers from escalating fuel prices caused by heightened Middle East tensions and international oil supply disruptions.
Kindiki stated the administration was committed to shielding Kenyans from the financial impact of the ongoing Iran conflict, which has elevated global expenses for crude oil, insurance, and shipping.
“We are taking all required steps to normalize fuel prices,” Kindiki mentioned on Friday while reviewing development initiatives in South Imenti, Meru County.
“The expenses for fuel, insurance, and shipping have risen substantially due to the conflict in Iran, but we will not allow Kenyans to endure this hardship.”
The Deputy President highlighted that authorities had already decreased Value Added Tax (VAT) on fuel from 16 percent to 8 percent and allocated Sh5 billion to support consumers through subsidies.
“We are also examining further measures to safeguard Kenyans from elevated fuel expenses and increasing living costs. Our goal is to ensure citizens are not overloaded with transportation costs and other economic difficulties stemming from this worldwide crisis,” he noted.
Kindiki called on Kenyans to maintain patience as the government implements additional measures focused on economic stabilization.
“The rise in fuel expenses is not exclusive to Kenya. Nations worldwide are confronting identical challenges due to instability in the Persian Gulf. We request Kenyans to be patient while we develop sustainable solutions,” he emphasized.
He made these statements after examining the nearly finished Nkubu-Rubiri-Kamurita Road and the Rubiri Last Mile Electricity Connection Project in Meru County.
He subsequently addressed residents at Rubiri shopping center, where he promised the completion of all active government initiatives in the area and announced that additional infrastructure projects would soon begin.
According to Kindiki, Meru County ranks among the primary recipients of the administration’s infrastructure initiative, having obtained over Sh39 billion for road construction and enhancement throughout the county.
“These developments are distributed across all constituencies in Meru as our concentration is on enhancing connectivity, commerce, and residents’ welfare,” he stated.
The administration has additionally designated Sh3.7 billion for constructing 17 kilometers of connecting roads within Meru town as part of endeavors to advance the municipality to city status. Road enhancements are also progressing in Nkubu town.
Regarding electrification, Kindiki mentioned authorities had provided Sh1.3 billion under the Last Mile Connectivity Programme to connect a minimum of 16,000 households to electricity in the county.
“We are completely dedicated to improving the lives of Meru residents. We will guarantee all these initiatives are finalized promptly so citizens can start reaping the advantages,” he affirmed.
The Deputy President additionally emphasized other major initiatives ongoing in the county, such as the planned enhancement of Meru Referral Hospital to a Level Six institution, affordable housing developments, student dormitories, and the building of more than 20 contemporary markets.
Simultaneously, Kindiki urged the Kenya Kwanza administration’s political opponents to prepare for what he characterized as a results-oriented competition prior to the next General Election.
“When we return here next year to request your endorsement, we will showcase what we have accomplished during the past five years rather than mere promises,” he stated. “Our competitors must also inform Kenyans about their achievements while they held office.”
The Deputy President was joined by Meru Governor Isaac Mutuma, Senator Kathuri Murungi, South Imenti MP Shadrack Mwiti, Central Imenti MP Moses Kirima, and various MCAs.