By James Mutua
The government has reaffirmed its commitment to restoring economic stability and easing the burden on Kenyans arising from the continued rise in global fuel prices, amid growing concerns over the high cost of living and transport disruptions across the country.
Speaking during a press briefing at the headquarters of the United Democratic Alliance, Party Secretary General Hassan Omar said the government is actively engaging relevant ministries and stakeholders in efforts to find lasting solutions to the crisis.
Omar said ongoing inter ministerial consultations involving the Ministries of Energy, National Treasury and Transport, together with key stakeholders, are expected to produce practical and amicable solutions aimed at restoring normalcy in the country.
He noted that the government has already implemented several measures to cushion citizens from the effects of the fuel price surge, which he attributed to external geopolitical developments beyond Kenya’s control.
Among the interventions highlighted is the reduction of Value Added Tax on fuel from 16 percent to 8 percent, alongside the establishment of fuel stabilisation mechanisms.
According to Omar, the government has allocated more than Sh16 billion in the current financial year to the Fuel Stabilisation Fund, with Sh11 billion already utilised to cushion Kenyans from further increases in fuel prices.
“As we await the outcome of the ongoing talks between the ministries and stakeholders, Kenyans should approach the matter with sobriety, patriotism and restraint,” Omar said.
He cautioned political leaders against exploiting the crisis for political gain, saying the situation should not be used to divide the country.
“Political opportunists must not be allowed to exploit the grave situation for narrow, divisive and short sighted political gains,” he added.
By the time of going to press, the Matatu Owners Association, digital taxi operators and other transport stakeholders had agreed to suspend the ongoing nationwide strike for one week following talks with the government.
The suspension comes after days of transport disruptions linked to protests and industrial action over rising fuel prices, which left many commuters stranded, forced others to walk long distances, and led to temporary closure of some schools.
