NAIROBI, Kenya — Deputy President Kithure Kindiki has defended the government’s response to rising fuel prices, saying emergency interventions prevented pump prices from soaring to Sh300 per litre amid the ongoing global oil crisis linked to the US-Israel-Iran conflict.
In a statement issued on Monday, Kindiki said the government had already implemented several measures to cushion Kenyans from the sharp increase in global fuel prices following disruptions in international oil supply routes.
According to the Deputy President, the effective closure of the Strait of Hormuz had forced cargo ships to take longer routes, while insurance costs for oil shipments had risen sharply.
“The Government has taken measures to mitigate against the unprecedented spike in global fuel prices occasioned by the US/Israel-Iran war,” Kindiki stated.
Government Defends Fuel Subsidy Measures
Kindiki said the government had already reduced Value Added Tax on fuel from 16pc to 8pc in a move aimed at stabilising pump prices.
He added that Sh12 billion from the fuel stabilisation fund had also been used to cushion consumers from further increases.
“The Government has already reduced VAT on fuel from 16 pc to 8 pc, while Sh12 billion from the fuel stabilization fund have been applied to manage prices, otherwise the prices would have shot to 300 shillings per litre by now,” he said.
The remarks come amid a nationwide transport strike involving matatu operators, boda boda riders, cargo transporters, and private motorists protesting the rising cost of fuel and living expenses.
The industrial action disrupted transport services across major towns, leaving thousands of commuters stranded.
Ruto Orders Crisis Talks
DP Kindiki revealed that President William Ruto had directed Cabinet Secretaries responsible for the National Treasury, Energy, Transport, and Interior ministries to hold urgent consultations with stakeholders.
The talks are expected to explore additional interventions aimed at restoring normalcy in the transport sector and easing economic pressure on households and businesses.
“President William Ruto has ordered an interministerial engagement of Cabinet Secretaries responsible for the National Treasury, Energy, Transport, and Interior to engage with stakeholders,” Kindiki stated.
Warning Against Violence
While acknowledging the constitutional right to protest, the Deputy President warned against violence, looting, arson, and destruction of property during demonstrations.
He said criminal acts committed during protests would not be tolerated and those responsible would face legal action.
“Criminal acts of arson, obstruction of traffic, looting of property, and robbery of motorists and other innocent members of the public cannot be tolerated and will be severely punished,” he warned.
Kindiki appealed to Kenyans to remain calm as the government considers further measures to cushion the economy from the effects of the global fuel crisis.
The government has maintained that the current fuel price surge is largely driven by external geopolitical developments beyond Kenya’s direct control.
However, opposition leaders and sections of transport operators continue to blame high taxation and government levies for worsening the cost-of-living crisis facing ordinary Kenyans.
