Kiharu MP Ndindi Nyoro has launched a scathing critique of the government’s handling of the fuel crisis, accusing the administration of a lack of commitment to protecting Kenyans from the recent price hikes.
In a detailed proposal released on Wednesday, April 15, 2026, the lawmaker outlined a strategy to immediately slash pump prices by Ksh 27 per litre, dismissing current government interventions as insufficient and “inhumane.”
The “Ksh 27” Relief Plan
Nyoro argued that the government has the fiscal tools to lower costs immediately if it prioritizes the consumer. His proposed measures include:
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Tax Reversal: Reverting VAT on fuel from the current levels back to 8% and eventually exempting fuel products entirely during this volatile period.
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Levy Removal: Scrapping the Ksh 7 fuel levy introduced in 2024.
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Aggressive Subsidies: Utilizing at least Ksh 10 billion from the Fuel Stabilization Fund—which he claims holds approximately Ksh 20 billion—to cushion prices until mid-May.
“The VAT reduction of 3% is a dry joke taken too far,” Nyoro stated, referring to recent government adjustments. “Fuel products must be VAT-exempt during the intervening period.”
Questioning the Global Disparity
The Kiharu legislator raised eyebrows by comparing current local prices to those of 2022. He pointed out that while global oil prices topped $115 per barrel in May 2022, local petrol never exceeded Ksh 160.
“Global oil prices are cheaper now than in 2022, at below $100 per barrel. Why are Kenyans being made to pay more?” he posed, demanding transparency regarding the “Government-to-Government” (G-to-G) import arrangements, which he warned could be exploited for personal gain.
President Ruto Defends “G-to-G” Strategy
Responding to the uproar during his tour of Kisii County, President William Ruto defended his administration’s record, citing the Iran War and global instability as the primary drivers of the Ksh 28 to Ksh 40 jump in prices.
The President maintained that without state intervention, prices would have been significantly higher than the current average of Ksh 206.
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Subsidy Spend: Ruto noted that the government has already deployed Ksh 6.2 billion to moderate costs.
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Supply Security: He credited the G-to-G arrangement with preventing the fuel shortages currently seen in neighboring countries.
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Regional Edge: “The G-to-G arrangement has made Kenya a very competitive fuel destination. Some countries do not even have fuel in their stations, but here in Kenya, we have enough,” the President asserted.
The Looming Supply Risk
Despite the President’s assurances, Nyoro warned that a lack of clarity in pricing could lead to “artificial shortages.” He argued that uncertainty among dealers regarding who is paying for what could prompt hoarding, further destabilizing the supply chain.
As the debate intensifies, Nyoro has called for “unprecedented and fast” leadership, insisting that Kenyans cannot wait another month for the next price review to find relief.