High Court Dismisses Fuel Price Petition, Kenyans Left Reeling Over Rising Costs
Kenyans hoping for relief at the pump have been dealt a crushing blow. On Tuesday, the High Court dismissed a petition challenging the government’s handling of fuel prices, sparking outrage and disappointment nationwide.
“We Are Hurting”—Petitioners Say After Court Ruling
Justice Chacha Mwita threw out the case filed by Kituo Cha Sheria, a human rights lobby group. The group had sought to compel the Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA) and the Ministry of Energy to lower fuel prices in line with falling global oil rates.
“The measures already taken by the government are reasonable,” Justice Mwita ruled. “Any further steps would be additional, not mandatory,” he added.
The judge maintained that fuel pricing is a policy matter—not a constitutional issue—therefore, the court could not intervene.
Petitioners Accuse EPRA of Ignoring Global Trends
Kituo Cha Sheria argued that EPRA failed to reflect declining international crude prices in local pump rates. At the time of filing in December, petrol was retailing at Ksh217 per litre.
“This failure breaches economic and consumer rights under Articles 43 and 46 of the Constitution,” the petition read.
Despite their efforts, the court found no clear violation of constitutional rights.
Fuel Prices Drop Slightly, But Kenyans Remain Unconvinced
Following the latest review on September 14, EPRA announced minor reductions. Super petrol dropped by Ksh0.79, diesel by Ksh0.11, and kerosene by Ksh0.80.
In Nairobi, prices now stand at Ksh184.52 for petrol, Ksh171.47 for diesel, and Ksh154.78 for kerosene.
However, many Kenyans feel the changes are too small to make a difference.
“These reductions are cosmetic. They insult our intelligence,” said a member of the Motorists Association of Kenya (MAK). “EPRA must be disbanded,” he added.
Public Outcry Grows as Cost of Living Soars
Kenyans continue to struggle with high transport costs, inflated food prices, and shrinking incomes. Many feel abandoned by the very institutions meant to protect them.
“We expected justice. Instead, we got silence,” lamented a Nairobi commuter. “How long must we suffer?” she asked.
A man fueling a car at a petrol station
As the dust settles, the court’s decision has left citizens questioning whether their voices still matter in policy-making.
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High Court Dismisses Fuel Price Petition, Kenyans Left Reeling Over Rising Costs
