NAIROBI, Kenya- People’s Liberation Party leader Martha Karua has challenged the government to address the real cost of fuel for ordinary Kenyans, arguing that comparisons with developed economies ignore the country’s economic realities.
Karua was reacting to remarks by National Assembly Majority Leader Kimani Ichung’wah, who defended Kenya’s fuel prices by comparing them to those in London.
Ichung’wah noted that diesel in London is retailing at nearly £2 (about Sh350) per litre, while petrol is around £1.75 (about Sh306), adding that the Kenyan government had reduced VAT on fuel from 16 percent to 8 percent to cushion consumers.
Let us examine our reality
In response, Karua said such comparisons fail to reflect the economic pressures faced by ordinary citizens.
“Before we compare Kenya to London and other middle-income countries, let us examine our reality,” she said.
She illustrated her point using the example of a boda boda rider in Gitaru, who earns between KSh1,500 and KSh2,000 on a good day, but must cover fuel, loan repayments or bike rental, and maintenance costs—leaving little for basic needs or savings.
“This is the reality for many Kenyans,” Karua said, adding that fuel costs directly affect livelihoods in an economy where incomes have not kept pace with rising expenses.
Debate over affordability
Karua argued that the key issue is not just the price of fuel, but its affordability relative to income levels.
“The issue is what fuel costs a Kenyan whose income has not kept pace, whose business depends on daily movement, and whose survival is tied to every shilling spent at the pump,” she said.
She contrasted Kenya’s situation with countries like the United Kingdom, where higher fuel prices are accompanied by higher incomes, reliable public transport, and stronger social support systems.
“In Kenya, the burden falls on the mwananchi, who is already stretched, with little cushioning and even less return,” she added.
Karua called on the government to focus on policies that ease the cost-of-living burden rather than relying on international comparisons.
“The question remains: is fuel affordable for Kenyans within our reality?” she posed.
Her remarks come amid growing public debate over fuel prices and the cost of living, with leaders from both sides offering differing perspectives on how best to address the issue.
On Tuesday, a group of Kenyan youth are expected to stage a major protest over the high fuel prices.
