Fuel Tax Burden Must Fall Now, Nyoro Demands

By Ayub John, Afri Media
Kiharu MP Ndindi Nyoro has called on the government to urgently review fuel taxes and levies, warning that the current pricing regime is placing an unbearable burden on Kenyans and slowing down the economy.

Speaking amid growing public concern over rising fuel costs, Nyoro said the recent policy decisions—particularly the additional 8 per cent VAT introduced in 2023 and the seven-shilling fuel levy added in 2024—are largely responsible for the sharp increase in pump prices.

He noted that Kenyans are not making unreasonable demands, but are simply asking the government to revert taxes and levies to their previous levels to provide immediate relief.

“If these adjustments are reversed, the pressure on fuel prices will ease and Kenyans will feel the difference at the pump,” he said.

Nyoro further argued that funds in the fuel stabilization mechanism are not government-generated, but contributions made by citizens over time, and should therefore be used to cushion them during periods of high prices.

In the medium term, the legislator proposed that the government consider zero-rating VAT on fuel products temporarily, noting that the current crisis is driven by short- to medium-term global shocks rather than long-term structural issues.
Drawing comparisons, Nyoro pointed out that in 2022, during the Russia–Ukraine War, global oil prices rose to about $115 per barrel, yet fuel prices in Kenya remained significantly lower than current levels.

“Today, global prices are around $98 per barrel, yet Kenyans are paying over KSh 200 per litre. This contradiction must be explained,” he said.

He also questioned why Kenya, as a regional hub for petroleum imports, continues to record some of the highest fuel prices in the region despite having stabilization mechanisms in place.

Nyoro raised concerns over the government-to-government (G2G) fuel import arrangement, calling for greater transparency and accountability in how the deals are structured and implemented.

“Kenyans deserve to know who is involved, how these agreements operate, and whether they serve the public interest,” he added.

He emphasized that continued transfer of high fuel costs to consumers risks slowing economic activity, arguing that Kenya has the capacity to shield its citizens during such periods.

Nyoro concluded by urging the government to prioritize fairness, transparency, and responsible governance, stressing that public resources must be managed in a way that benefits all Kenyans.

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Little App Launches Air Charter Service, Expanding Access to Private Aviation industry in Kenya

Image
Story by Ayubu John Afrimedia Group news Kenya’s homegrown ride-hailing platform Little Cab and a leading private aviation company, Boscovic Air Charters, popularly known as Fly Boskies, has entered into a strategic partnership  in response to the rising demand for private and executive air travel. The partnership, unveiled at a launch event attended by stakeholders in the aviation and transport sectors, is aimed at meeting the increasing need for seamless, technology-driven travel solutions. As more business executives, tourists, and high-net-worth individuals turn to charter flights for flexibility and efficiency, the collaboration seeks to deliver a fully integrated experience — from booking private flights to securing reliable airport transfers. Under the agreement, clients flying with Fly Boskies can now schedule executive pick-ups and drop-offs through the Little Cab app, ensuring smooth transitions between air and road travel. This integra...
Read more

Consortium of August 7 Victims Expresses Frustration After High Court Dismisses Compensation Claims

Image
Story by Ayubu John photo journalist from Afrimedia Group news   The High Court has dismissed a petition seeking compensation for survivors and families of the August 7, 1998 U.S. Embassy bombing, a decision that has sparked frustration and disappointment among those affected. The petitioners had argued that the Kenyan government ignored prior warnings that could have prevented the attack, which killed over 200 people and injured thousands. In his ruling, Justice Lawrence Mugambi said the petitioners failed to present credible evidence showing the State had actionable intelligence or neglected to act. Many of the reports submitted were ruled hearsay, as the authors did not testify in court. “The burden of proof lies on those who seek the court’s intervention,” Justice Mugambi emphasized. Strong Reaction from Victims’ Representatives The Consortium of August 7 victims, which represents survivors and families affected by the bombing, described...
Read more

Savannah Honey Unveils Africa’s First Bee Venom Marketplace

Image
Story by Ayubu John photo journalist Afrimedia Group news  Kenya’s apiculture sector has received a major boost following the launch of Africa’s first organized Bee Venom Marketplace by Savannah Honey, in an event officiated by Wycliffe Oparanya, Cabinet Secretary for Cooperatives and MSMEs. The initiative marks a strategic shift from traditional honey production to high-value bee products such as venom, propolis, pollen, royal jelly and beeswax — positioning Kenya to tap into a global bee venom market currently valued at about US$370 million. Savannah Honey CEO Kyalo Mutua said African farmers have long been unable to benefit from bee venom due to lack of structured markets, quality standards and coordination. The new marketplace aims to address these challenges by offering standardized collection methods, farmer training, traceability systems and guaranteed market access. Under the model, a single hive can produce up to 10 grams of venom annual...
Read more