UDA Defends Government Measures as Fuel Crisis Bites Kenyans
The ruling United Democratic Alliance has assured Kenyans that the government is working round the clock to restore economic stability and ease the burden caused by the continued rise in global fuel prices.
Speaking during a press briefing at the party headquarters, Hassan Omar said the government remains fully committed to finding practical and lasting solutions through ongoing consultations involving the Ministries of Energy, National Treasury and Transport, alongside key stakeholders in the sector.
Sen. Omar noted that despite the difficult global economic environment and geopolitical tensions affecting oil markets, the government had already rolled out several intervention measures aimed at cushioning Kenyans from the sharp increase in fuel costs.
Among the measures highlighted include the reduction of VAT on fuel from 16 percent to 8 percent, as well as the establishment of a Fuel Stabilization Fund currently valued at more than Sh16 billion in the ongoing financial year. According to the party, the government has already spent over Sh11 billion from the fund to help shield consumers from the full impact of rising fuel prices.
The UDA Secretary General expressed confidence that the ongoing inter-ministerial talks and engagements with industry stakeholders would soon produce amicable solutions capable of restoring normalcy across the country.
He further urged Kenyans to remain calm, patriotic and restrained during the ongoing crisis, emphasizing that the fuel challenges were largely driven by external global developments beyond Kenya’s direct control.
Sen. Omar also warned political leaders against taking advantage of the crisis for political mileage, saying the situation required unity and responsible leadership rather than division and incitement.
“Political opportunists must not be allowed to exploit the grave situation for narrow, divisive and short-sighted political gains,” said the Secretary General.
The briefing was attended by several senior party officials including Hassan Duale, Cecilia Wairimu, UDA Executive Director Nicodemus Bore, and other party directors.
