President William Ruto has announced a KSh10 reduction in diesel prices for the June-July pricing cycle following consultations with stakeholders in the transport sector.
Speaking on Friday, May 22, during a press briefing at State House in Mombasa, the President said the move is aimed at stabilising fuel prices and easing the burden on consumers amid the ongoing transport crisis caused by rising fuel costs.
Ruto also directed the Ministry of Transport to engage banks and other financial institutions to explore temporary relief measures for transport operators struggling with financial challenges linked to the current fuel price situation.
Diesel prices to drop by KSh10 after Ruto directive. Photo: Courtesy.
According to the Head of State, the discussions could include temporary adjustments to lending terms within the transport sector to cushion operators affected by the crisis.
The announcement comes days after matatu operators across the country staged a strike in protest against the high cost of fuel, paralysing public transport services in several counties.
Areas affected by the strike included Nairobi, Mombasa, Kiambu, Machakos, Kajiado, Kisumu, Embu, Murang’a, and Makueni, leaving thousands of commuters stranded.
Images and videos circulating online showed long queues at bus stops in Nairobi, with many Kenyans forced to walk long distances or seek alternative means of transport such as boda bodas to get to work.
The strike was temporarily suspended on Tuesday, May 16, after the government agreed to open negotiations with stakeholders in the public transport industry.
Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen announced that the suspension would last one week to allow room for consultations between the government and transport sector representatives.
