NAIROBI, Kenya – Motorists are threatening nationwide protests over rising fuel prices, demanding an independent audit of Kenya’s Government-to-Government (G-to-G) petroleum importation deal and a full disclosure of how the Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA) calculates pump prices.
The Motorists Association of Kenya (MAK) said it would consult its members on coordinated public mobilisation if the government fails to address concerns over the latest fuel price increases and the transparency of the petroleum pricing system.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, October 14, the association accused the government and EPRA of failing to provide adequate explanations for the latest adjustments, warning that motorists and households should not be left to bear rising costs without access to verifiable pricing data.
MAK wants an independent review of the October-November fuel price adjustments, a comprehensive audit of the G-to-G importation arrangement and publication of detailed calculations used to determine pump prices.
The association is also demanding disclosure of receipts, disbursements and stabilisation balances held in the Petroleum Development Levy Fund, alongside a review of petroleum taxes and levies.
Kerosene Price Hike Raises Questions
The association has questioned why kerosene recorded the largest absolute increase in the latest review, rising by Sh28.49 per litre, compared with Sh12.93 for petrol and Sh9.90 for diesel.
MAK argued that the increase required a clearer explanation, particularly in light of the reported landed-cost changes for the different petroleum products.
It wants EPRA to explain how taxes, freight charges, insurance, distribution margins and stabilisation adjustments contributed to the final pump prices.
The association also challenged the regulator to publish evidence demonstrating whether the G-to-G importation arrangement has delivered savings to consumers, including a breakdown of supplier premiums and financing costs.
“An explanation is not scientific merely because it contains figures. It becomes scientific when its assumptions, methodology and calculations can be independently examined and reproduced,” MAK said.
The association is calling for detailed pricing worksheets showing international benchmarks, landed costs, exchange rates, freight charges, taxes and other adjustments used in determining pump prices.
MAK Wants Parliament And Auditor-General To Intervene
MAK has called on Parliament, the Auditor-General and the Competition Authority of Kenya (CAK) to scrutinise petroleum procurement and pricing arrangements.
The association argues that independent examination of the importation system and pricing calculations would help establish whether the costs passed on to consumers are justified and whether the government-to-government framework is delivering the intended benefits.
It has also challenged the rationale for raising kerosene prices to discourage fuel adulteration, arguing that higher prices place an additional burden on households rather than directly addressing those responsible for the practice.
The association wants authorities to strengthen enforcement against fuel adulteration while providing greater transparency over the factors driving pump prices.
Motorists Recall Earlier Fuel Price Protests
The threat comes amid renewed public concern over fuel costs, which affect transport fares, the cost of moving goods and household spending.
In May, motorists and other Kenyans took to the streets to protest a similar fuel price increase.
MAK, however, did not specify a date for the proposed demonstrations, saying it would first consult members on the next course of action.
The association’s demands place renewed attention on the G-to-G petroleum importation arrangement, fuel taxes and EPRA’s pricing methodology, with motorists seeking independently verifiable evidence on how international costs and domestic charges translate into pump prices.
