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Saboti MP Caleb Amisi has urged the government to lower VAT on fuel from 16 per cent to 8 per cent to ease the burden on Kenyans amid rising costs.
He warned that the country is likely to face a fuel crisis fueled by global geopolitical tensions, particularly the Iran–U.S. standoff, which could disrupt oil supply. Amisi said the government should have already acted to reduce or even scrap the tax to cushion citizens.
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According to the MP, cutting VAT would help households retain more disposable income as fuel prices continue to climb. He noted that Kenya’s reliance on imported fuel leaves it highly exposed to global market shocks, making it difficult to avoid the effects of international disruptions.
Amisi stressed that the looming crisis is predictable and should not catch policymakers unprepared, urging authorities to outline a clear strategy to manage the situation. He criticized the government’s response, saying unlike sudden crises such as COVID-19, the current challenge can be anticipated and addressed in advance.
He emphasized that timely tax adjustments and clear policies are key to protecting Kenyans from the expected surge in fuel prices.
Meanwhile, Energy Cabinet Secretary Opiyo Wandayi sought to reassure the public, saying the country’s fuel supply remains stable despite recent turmoil in the petroleum sector.
In a statement, Wandayi acknowledged recent changes within the Ministry of Energy and Petroleum, including the resignation of senior officials linked to the oil import saga. He said the government has taken precautionary measures, including suspending a second fuel shipment after concerns emerged over an earlier consignment under investigation.
The CS maintained that these steps are meant to protect public resources and prevent questionable deals, adding that Kenya currently has enough petroleum stocks to meet demand.
