Ndindi Nyoro Declares War on Fuel Taxes as Pressure Mounts on Ruto Government
By Jeff Kizzilah/ Digital Editor
Ndindi Nyoro has backed a fresh proposal seeking drastic reductions in fuel prices, setting the stage for a major political showdown over the rising cost of living in Kenya.
Speaking amid growing public anger over high pump prices, Nyoro revealed that leaders have already written to Parliament seeking urgent amendments to the VAT Act and the Road Maintenance Levy Fund (RMLF) to ease the burden on Kenyans.
According to the proposal, one of the key measures is the reduction of fuel importers’ and distributors’ margins by Ksh 4 per litre, a move likely to trigger fierce resistance from influential players in the petroleum industry.
The proposal further seeks an additional Ksh 5 billion diesel subsidy from the Fuel Stabilization Fund. With Kenya consuming an estimated 202 million litres of diesel every month, the subsidy could lower diesel prices by approximately Ksh 24.75 per litre.
Nyoro and the leaders behind the proposal are also demanding an 8 percent reduction in VAT and want petroleum products made fully VAT exempt to cushion households, transport operators, and businesses from soaring costs.
Another contentious issue is the Ksh 7 fuel levy introduced in 2024, which the leaders now want scrapped immediately, arguing that it has worsened inflation and pushed transport costs beyond the reach of ordinary Kenyans.
If Parliament adopts the proposals, the price of Super Petrol would drop to Ksh 187.38 per litre, while Diesel would retail at Ksh 189.16.
The leaders maintain that the measures are temporary interventions meant to provide immediate relief as the country works toward long-term energy and tax reforms.
The proposal now piles pressure on lawmakers and the Kenya Kwanza administration, with millions of Kenyans waiting to see whether Parliament will prioritize public relief or maintain the current fuel taxation structure.
