President William Ruto is expected to convene a high-level meeting on fuel prices once he returns from his official trip to Azerbaijan, amid growing pressure over the rising cost of fuel.
Speaking during an interview on Monday, Treasury Cabinet Secretary John Mbadi said the government was considering additional measures to ease the burden on Kenyans affected by the recent fuel price increases.
Mbadi indicated that the meeting, which will be chaired by President Ruto, is expected to assess possible interventions aimed at stabilising fuel prices and cushioning consumers from the economic impact.
President Ruto set to convene fuel price talks upon return from Azerbaijan. Photo: Courtesy.
The Treasury CS revealed that the government has already forfeited about Ksh24 billion in revenue after lowering Value Added Tax (VAT) on petroleum products from 16 per cent to 8 per cent.
He further noted that the government has implemented a fuel subsidy programme worth Ksh11.2 billion in an effort to reduce the pressure on motorists, businesses, and households grappling with the high cost of fuel.
The developments come amid widespread disruption in public transport after matatu operators withdrew services on Monday, crippling movement in Nairobi and several other towns across the country.
Photos and videos seen by whispers wire showed hundreds of commuters stranded at bus stops in different estates, with many struggling to access transport to work.
The strike forced some Kenyans to walk long distances, while others turned to boda bodas as an alternative means of transport.
The industrial action follows a nationwide strike call issued on Saturday, May 16, by the Motorists Association of Kenya (MAK) alongside other transport sector stakeholders over the rising cost of fuel.
The transport players accused the government and the Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA) of burdening Kenyans with steep and unjustified fuel price increases.
Last week, EPRA announced a sharp increase in fuel prices, raising the cost of petrol by Ksh16.65 per litre and diesel by Ksh46.29 per litre.
According to the regulator, the new fuel prices took effect on May 15, 2026, and will remain in place for the next 30 days.
