Deputy President Kithure Kindiki has defended the government’s response to the ongoing fuel crisis, saying authorities have already taken measures to cushion Kenyans against the sharp rise in global fuel prices triggered by the US-Israel-Iran conflict.
DP Kindiki said the effective closure of the Strait of Hormuz had disrupted global oil supply routes, forcing ships to take longer routes while insurance costs surged significantly, pushing fuel prices higher worldwide.
He noted that the government had reduced VAT on fuel from 16 per cent to 8 per cent and applied Sh12 billion from the fuel stabilization fund to control prices.
“Without these interventions, fuel prices would have risen to nearly Sh300 per litre,” he said.
The Deputy President added that President William Ruto had directed Cabinet Secretaries responsible for the National Treasury, Energy, Transport and Interior to engage stakeholders and identify additional measures to restore normalcy in the transport sector.
Mr. Kindiki, however, condemned ongoing demonstrations over the fuel hikes, warning that acts of arson, looting, obstruction of traffic and attacks on motorists would not be tolerated and those involved would face severe punishment.
His remarks come after widespread transport disruptions across several towns, including Garissa and Nairobi, following the May 14 fuel price review by EPRA, which increased diesel prices by Sh46.29 per litre and super petrol by Sh16.65 per litre.
The fuel hikes triggered protests and suspension of public transport services, leaving thousands of commuters stranded as operators cited rising operational costs and announced fare increases.
