NAIROBI, Kenya- President William Ruto has defended the government’s decision not to remove taxes and levies on fuel despite mounting public pressure over soaring pump prices, warning that such a move would cripple critical public services and destabilise the economy.
Speaking at State House, Mombasa, during an address on the global fuel crisis, Ruto said many Kenyans had called on the government to abolish fuel taxes immediately, but insisted the issue was more complex than it appeared.
“There are those asking Government to remove all taxes and levies on fuel immediately. But we must ask ourselves honestly: if we stop collecting this revenue entirely, what public services shall we stop funding?” Ruto posed.
The President argued that fuel taxes help fund roads, fertiliser subsidy programmes, hospitals, schools and national security operations.
“Do we stop the fertiliser subsidy programme that is enhancing food security? Do we cut the security budget that helps us secure our borders, combat criminal gangs, and protect citizens?” he asked.
Ruto said leadership required balancing immediate public relief with long-term economic sustainability, especially at a time when Kenya was already spending billions cushioning citizens from the global oil shock.
According to the President, the government has already committed KSh 28.19 billion in fuel stabilisation and tax relief interventions across the April–May and May–June 2026 pricing cycles.
The administration also reduced VAT on petroleum products from 16 per cent to 8 per cent in an attempt to ease pressure on consumers and businesses.
Ruto maintained that removing all fuel-related taxes entirely could create a bigger economic crisis by undermining government revenue needed to sustain development projects and essential services.
The President blamed the current fuel crisis on global oil supply disruptions linked to escalating tensions in the Middle East, particularly around the Strait of Hormuz, a key global oil transit route.
He further warned politicians against exploiting public frustration for political gain, saying no country could fully escape the effects of the ongoing global oil shock.
Ruto nonetheless assured Kenyans that the government would continue reviewing possible interventions to cushion households, transport operators and businesses from the rising cost of fuel.
