CS Wandayi Says Ruto Ordered EPRA Not to Increase Kerosene Prices Amid Uproar
Energy and Petroleum Cabinet Secretary Opiyo Wandayi has revealed that President William Ruto personally directed the Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA) to maintain kerosene prices, even as the cost of petrol and diesel surged in the latest fuel review.
Speaking in Siaya County on Wednesday, April 15, during a mass voter registration and public sensitisation exercise in Ugunja, Wandayi sought to reassure Kenyans amid growing concerns over the rising cost of living following the recent fuel price adjustments.
“Yesterday you saw the hike in fuel prices, but I want to tell you, do not have any worry,” Wandayi said, urging calm among consumers and businesses already feeling the strain of higher transport and commodity costs.
The Cabinet Secretary attributed the decision to hold kerosene prices steady to a directive from the Head of State, describing it as a targeted intervention aimed at protecting vulnerable households that rely heavily on the commodity for cooking and lighting.
“The President also told me that, despite the rise in petrol and diesel prices, kerosene should not be raised,” Wandayi stated, underscoring the government’s effort to shield low-income earners from the full impact of global fuel price volatility.
According to Wandayi, the government also introduced a fuel subsidy estimated at Ksh6.2 billion to cushion consumers and moderate what could have been a steeper increase at the pump.
“The prices could have gone up much more, but because the Head of State directed us to put a subsidy, the rise was moderated,” he explained.
The remarks come in the wake of EPRA’s latest fuel price review released on Tuesday, April 14, 2026, which saw the cost of Super Petrol rise by Ksh28.69 per litre and Diesel by Ksh40.30 per litre. Kerosene prices, however, remained unchanged—a move that has now been linked to the presidential directive.
Wandayi further disclosed that the government had temporarily reduced Value Added Tax (VAT) on petroleum products from 16 per cent to 13 per cent for a period of three months. The measure, he noted, is part of a broader strategy to mitigate the ripple effects of rising fuel costs on households and businesses.
“If the ongoing conflict comes to an end, we expect fuel prices to stabilise and eventually come down,” Wandayi added, expressing optimism that the current pressures may ease in the coming months.
Despite the government’s interventions, the increase in petrol and diesel prices has already triggered immediate consequences across key sectors of the economy. Public Service Vehicle (PSV) operators have announced fare hikes of up to 25 per cent on several routes, citing the sharp rise in diesel costs, which directly affects transport operations.
Industry stakeholders warn that the fuel adjustments are likely to have a cascading effect on the prices of goods and services, further tightening household budgets in an already challenging economic environment.
As pressure mounts on the government to contain the rising cost of living, Wandayi maintained that the administration remains committed to balancing economic realities with social protection measures.
For many Kenyans, however, the coming weeks will test whether the interventions announced will be sufficient to cushion them from the broader economic impact of rising fuel prices.
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CS Wandayi Says Ruto Ordered EPRA Not to Increase Kerosene Prices Amid Uproar
