A contentious national discussion has intensified regarding fuel costs after a significant spike to KSh 206 per liter for both petrol and diesel, followed by a rapid decrease to KSh 197 for petrol and KSh 196 for diesel.
The abrupt price changes have triggered a political standoff between the ruling coalition and opposition parties, each side accusing the other for the volatile shifts.
The United Democratic Alliance (UDA) has rejected opposition assertions that the modifications were designed to favor certain government figures. In a Nairobi-based statement, UDA Secretary General Hassan Omar criticized the opposition for exploiting a sensitive matter and deceiving citizens.
Omar justified the government-to-government (G-to-G) fuel importation framework, emphasizing its role in maintaining supply stability and protecting the nation from more extreme price volatility. He contended that without this mechanism, and considering the persistent turmoil in the Middle East, fuel costs might have escalated to approximately KSh 230 per liter.
He also rebuked Kiharu Member of Parliament Ndindi Nyoro, who has mirrored opposition sentiments and outlined proposals that he claims could reduce fuel prices to KSh 160 per liter.
In parallel, the opposition has delivered a seven-day deadline to the National Assembly, demanding an extraordinary session to tackle the fuel cost dilemma. They have cautioned about nationwide demonstrations should no measures be implemented, asserting that the administration bears accountability for the price increases.
During the impasse, Catholic leaders have urged the administration to promptly act and introduce policies to shield Kenyan citizens from the elevated cost of living.
The Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA) has attributed the fuel cost surge to escalating global petroleum rates, depreciation of the Kenyan shilling, and the imposition of mandatory levies, including Value Added Tax.
These developments have amplified examination of fuel pricing structures, mounting pressure on regulatory bodies to guarantee transparency and steadiness in the industry.