Kiharu MP Ndindi Nyoro has formally requested the National Assembly to be recalled from recess for urgent deliberation on proposed amendments designed to reduce fuel prices and alleviate financial burdens on Kenyans amid escalating living costs.
In a correspondence directed to National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula, Nyoro implored Parliament to reconvene “at the earliest opportunity, ideally Monday” to process the proposed legislative changes.
The MP explained that the proposed amendments specifically target taxes and levies applied to petroleum products, which he maintains are key contributors to the elevated cost of living and inflation rates currently affecting the nation.
“I respectfully request your consideration for recalling the National Assembly from recess… to deliberate on urgent proposed legislative amendments aimed at reducing the cost of fuel in the country,” Nyoro articulated in his official communication.
Among the key proposals is an amendment to the VAT Act that would reduce Value Added Tax on fuel products from 8 percent to zero, effectively rendering super petrol, diesel, and kerosene exempt from VAT taxation.
According to Nyoro’s calculations, this measure would result in pump price reductions of approximately Sh15.87 per liter for petrol and Sh17.99 per liter for diesel.
“We have proposed amendments to the VAT Act to reduce VAT on fuel products from 8% to zero, thereby making Petrol, Diesel and Kerosene VAT exempt,” he elaborated in a supplementary statement.
Additionally, Nyoro suggested reducing the Road Maintenance Levy Fund (RMLF) by Sh7 through the revocation of the Road Maintenance Levy Fund (Imposition of Levy) Order, 2024.
The legislator further noted that while a proposal to inject an additional Sh5 billion in diesel subsidies could significantly impact prices, it might not necessarily require formal parliamentary approval.
“All these proposed measures can potentially reduce fuel prices by a significant margin and prevent detrimental inflationary effects on the national economy,” Nyoro emphasized.
In his letter, the MP also appealed directly to the Speaker’s office to “favorably consider exercising its authority to recall the National Assembly from recess specifically for the purpose of facilitating the tabling, deliberation, and consideration of these proposed legislative amendments.”
The timing of these proposals coincides with mounting public apprehension regarding the continuous rise in fuel costs and their cascading effects on transportation expenses, food prices, and overall cost of living throughout the country.