Ruto: Why fuel prices are higher in Kenya

President William Ruto has defended current fuel prices, saying it is unfair to compare Kenya with neighbouring countries, which are less developed.

He said fuel pricing must be viewed in line with Kenya’s status as a middle-income country, arguing that it should only be compared with countries at a similar economic level, which may have equal or even higher fuel prices.

The President insisted that Kenya will continue to manage economic pressures, even amid global crises such as those in the Middle East, which are disrupting transport and logistics routes and pushing up prices.

“I know many people in Kenya keep asking why fuel prices are different from those of our neighbours. It is important to let them know that Kenya is a middle-income country, while our neighbours are the least developed countries. There is a big difference.

“If you want to compare Kenya fairly with others, compare with other middle-income countries. That is how you get the right figures,” Ruto said.

He made the remarks yesterday after attending Sunday service at Karen Africa Gospel Church (AGC) in Nairobi, ahead of his three-day visit to Italy for talks with President Sergio Mattarella and Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni.

The government has faced heavy backlash over fuel prices, with leaders accusing it of making panic decisions, losing direction, and pushing Kenyans into unorthodox economic hardship.

The Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA), in its April 14 monthly review, increased retail prices for super petrol by Sh28.69 per litre and diesel by Sh40.30, the highest in the country’s history. “Lower the price of fuel! There is no two ways about it. Prices must come down. Do not push Kenyans further or test the remaining patience,” former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua said.

The government has also been criticised for assuring the country there was enough fuel, only for prices to rise sharply, with minimal adjustments later, a move critics say misled Kenyans.

Opposition leaders argue this reflects disregard for citizens’ struggles, warning they will not remain silent as rising fuel costs push up the cost of living for already strained households.

Looming protests

There are already calls for protests next week over fuel prices, with some Kenyans accusing the government of dishonesty and economic mismanagement.

Wiper Party Leader Kalonzo Musyoka said it was painful to see a national crisis turned into a business opportunity for those in power while millions continue to suffer, claiming the system is designed to control supply, manipulate prices, and maximise profit.

“When the Middle East crisis disrupted supply, emergency procurement was lawfully initiated and contracts awarded to the lowest compliant bidders… By controlling bulk fuel imports and renegotiating prices behind the scenes, this network is now earning billions,” he said.

He added that Kenyans are bearing the burden of greed, with historic fuel price increases affecting all sectors of the economy, while those acting lawfully are being targeted.

Ruto, however, defended the government’s approach, saying Kenya’s fuel pricing reflects the scale of national infrastructure demands.

He noted that Kenya has about 20,000 kilometres of tarmac roads to maintain, with another 6,000 kilometres under construction.

“If you add Uganda, Tanzania, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Rwanda, Burundi and South Sudan, Kenya’s 20,000 kilometres is more than all of them combined,” he said.

He added that the government plans to construct an additional 28,000 kilometres of roads over the next seven years, describing it as part of the national transformation.

“We are setting our standards higher. That is what transformation looks like. It is about expanding the horizon of thinking, not settling for mediocrity,” he said.

Ruto also praised Parliament for swiftly passing tax amendments aimed at reducing fuel costs.

Fiscal relief

He said the legislation, which adjusted VAT on petroleum products, was processed in record time and signed into law to cushion Kenyans.

“The passage of the law took one hour and 20 minutes, and I was able to sign it immediately. It has already adjusted prices downwards, and we will monitor the situation,” he said.

He added that the government remains committed to stabilising fuel prices amid global uncertainty.

Majority Leader Kimani Ichung’wah defended the reforms, acknowledging that the VAT reduction from 16 per cent to eight per cent may not satisfy everyone but was necessary to ease pressure on consumers. He said global disruptions, particularly in the Middle East, continue to affect fuel supply chains and pricing worldwide.

Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen also condemned calls for protests, accusing some leaders of fuelling unrest for political reasons. “The greatest threat to our national security is not from young people, it is from our leaders who wear ties, are in air-conditioned offices, are called “mheshimiwa’ but every day plan how to recruit goons and gangs to terrorise Kenyans,” he said.