Ruto Orders Ksh10 Diesel Price Cut, New Nairobi Pump Price Drops to Ksh222.92

Ruto Orders Ksh10 Diesel Price Cut, New Nairobi Pump Price Drops to Ksh222.92

President William Ruto has announced a fresh Ksh10 reduction in diesel prices for the June–July fuel pricing cycle, in what the government describes as a major intervention aimed at easing pressure on consumers and stabilising the country’s transport sector amid growing public discontent over rising fuel costs.

The announcement was made on Friday, May 22, during a high-level meeting at State House in Mombasa between the Head of State and representatives from the transport sector, including matatu operators, truck owners, and digital taxi stakeholders. The talks followed days of nationwide demonstrations and threats of renewed industrial action over the soaring cost of fuel.

Under the new directive, diesel prices in Nairobi are expected to fall to approximately Ksh222.86 per litre once the revised prices are formally gazetted by the Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority. Super petrol will remain at Ksh214.25 per litre, while kerosene will continue retailing at Ksh191.38 per litre.

In his address, President Ruto said the government had listened to the concerns raised by transport operators and ordinary Kenyans struggling with the increased cost of living.

“I have directed, after consultations with leaders here from the transport sector, that in the pricing cycle, we are going to further reduce the prices of diesel by Ksh10 for June to July,” the President announced.

The decision comes barely days after EPRA had already implemented a mid-cycle review that lowered diesel prices by Ksh10.06 following pressure from transport stakeholders. However, operators argued that the earlier reduction was insufficient, insisting that the government needed to lower diesel prices further to cushion the public transport industry from rising operational expenses.

The fuel crisis had triggered widespread disruptions across major towns, with matatu operators, boda boda riders, truckers, and ride-hailing drivers suspending operations earlier in the week. The strike paralysed transport services in several parts of the country and intensified pressure on the government to intervene urgently.

During the meeting in Mombasa, Ruto also sought to reassure the country over fuel availability, dismissing fears of shortages and promising that the government would continue implementing measures to shield Kenyans from volatility in global oil markets.

Beyond fuel pricing, the President directed the Ministry of Transport to begin discussions with banks and other financial institutions to develop affordable financing options for matatu operators struggling with loan repayments and rising maintenance costs.

He further ordered the ministry to work jointly with the Insurance Regulatory Authority to address persistent complaints from transport operators regarding insurance compensation disputes.

“There is a big issue about transport operators, despite having insurance coverage, ending up paying bills when incidents occur, and insurance companies going free. This is an issue we must address,” Ruto stated.

The President additionally directed the government to amend the Insurance Act within three months to strengthen protections for vehicle owners and ensure insurance companies fulfil their obligations more effectively.

At the same time, the Head of State instructed the National Transport and Safety Authority to engage digital transport companies in developing regulations around minimum taxi fares, an issue that has repeatedly sparked tensions between ride-hailing drivers and app-based transport firms.

The latest intervention is expected to calm tensions within the transport sector, which had threatened to resume nationwide demonstrations if meaningful concessions were not made by the government.

Even so, some stakeholders maintain that the reductions may still not be enough to fully address the burden created by high global oil prices and increased taxation within the petroleum sector.

As the country awaits the next official fuel pricing review, the government now faces mounting pressure to balance revenue collection, fuel stabilisation, and the growing economic frustrations among consumers and transport operators alike.

In closing his remarks, President Ruto appealed for calm and national unity amid the ongoing economic debate.

“I therefore ask all Kenyans to remain calm, patient and united. Let us reject division, fear and misinformation. While every citizen has a right to express their concerns, we must reject all forms that lead to the loss of lives, property and livelihoods,” he said.

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Ruto Orders Ksh10 Diesel Price Cut, New Nairobi Pump Price Drops to Ksh222.92