The move by President William Ruto to scrap the Fuel subsidy program that cushioned citizens from the high costs of fueling has been criticized as the citizens decry an increase in fuel prices by Ksh 20.
In a statement issued during the inauguration as he took the oath of office, the president raised alarm over the extra amount of money burdened on taxpayers through the subsidy program.
Based on the latest review, the regulator increased the price of super petrol by Ksh 20.18, diesel by Ksh 25, and kerosene by Ksh 20 Petrol, diesel, and kerosene will retail at Ksh 179.30, Ksh 165, and Ksh 147,94 in Nairobi from September 15 to October 14.
An issue that has Azimio la Umoja One Kenya Coalition Party leaders have put William Ruto’s government on the spot after the Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA) announced an increase in fuel prices.
The president remarked that in his regard by December this year if the subsidy is in play would amount to the use of up to Kshs 280 billion of the taxpayers’ money.
However, in the latest review, the regulator increased the price of super petrol by KSh 20.18, diesel by KSh 25, and kerosene by KSh 20.
Some of the leaders from the Azimio faction have raised concerns as to the intention behind the scrapping of the subsidy while it was the only aid to consumers amidst high costs of living.
Nyando member of parliament (MP) Jared Okello questioned the eligibility of the move by the president at such a dire time when the cushioning was most needed.
“President Ruto, in his wisdom, stated that fuel subsidy doesn’t help Kenyans; it does help. Essential commodities & things that touch the livelihood of citizens must be subjected to subsidies in order to lower the cost of prices,” he told Citizen TV during an interview.
Narok Senator Ledama Ole Kina also took a swerve at the move on social media as he urged Kenyans in rhetoric to prepare for tougher times ahead.
In his view, food commodities and products are to soon hit the highest ever known as the fuel subsidy is pulled out.
Following the review in fuel prices, there has been an automatic increase in the prices of tokens by the electricity company Kenya Power and Lightning Company (KPLC).
“The prices in Nairobi are as follows: Super petrol, diesel and kerosene increase by Ksh 20.18 per liter, KSh 25 per liter and KSh 20 per liter respectively,” EPRA said in a statement.
