President William Ruto on Wednesday, April 15, defended his administration following public backlash over the April–May fuel price review, which saw pump prices rise by between Ksh28 and Ksh40 per litre.
Speaking in Kisii County, Ruto attributed the increase to global factors, including ongoing tensions linked to the Iran conflict, saying these had driven up fuel costs worldwide.
He maintained that his government had put in place measures to shield Kenyans from the full impact of the surge.
William Ruto Defends Fuel Price Hike Amid Public Outcry. Photo: Courtesy.
The President noted that without the interventions, fuel prices would have been significantly higher than the current Ksh206.97 per litre for petrol and Ksh206.84 for diesel, insisting that the government had acted to moderate the increases.
Ruto also lauded the government-to-government (G-to-G) fuel import arrangement, saying it had helped Kenya avoid a potential fuel shortage.
He noted that the deal ensured a steady supply of fuel in the country at a time when some nations were grappling with shortages, adding that the arrangement had enhanced Kenya’s competitiveness in the regional fuel market.
Meanwhile, the impact of the latest fuel price increase is already being felt, with matatu operators announcing higher fares to offset rising costs.
The Kenya Transporters Association Ltd (KTA) noted that fuel accounts for about 55 per cent of total operating expenses and urged its members to review their cost structures in line with the new pricing.
The association further advised operators to engage customers and contractual partners transparently to maintain service continuity amid the changing cost environment.
