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President William Ruto has announced that diesel prices will be reduced by a further Sh10 per litre in the upcoming June–July fuel review, in a move aimed at cushioning Kenyans from rising global oil costs.
Speaking on Friday at State House in Mombasa, the President said the reduction is part of ongoing government efforts to stabilise fuel prices and ease the cost burden on households, businesses, and transport operators facing high production and transport expenses.
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If approved by the Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA), diesel in Nairobi is expected to drop to Sh222.86 per litre.
Ruto said the government has already spent Sh15.72 billion on fuel stabilisation measures during the May–June pricing cycle following global oil market disruptions triggered by the Iran crisis, which pushed up crude oil, freight, insurance, and logistics costs.
“These interventions have protected millions of Kenyans from even more severe economic hardships. I have further directed that in the next pricing cycle, we reduce the price of diesel by another Sh10 to help stabilise pump prices and provide relief to consumers,” he said.
The President said the decision followed extensive consultations with leaders in the transport sector.
The announcement comes shortly after a nationwide transport strike disrupted operations across major towns, with commuters forced to walk long distances after matatus, taxi operators, truckers, and boda boda riders downed tools over high fuel prices.
The strike, led by the Transport Sector Alliance, was triggered by EPRA’s May 14 price review, which increased Super Petrol by Sh16.65 and Diesel by Sh46.29 per litre, pushing Nairobi prices to Sh214.25 and Sh242.92 respectively.
The sudden hike sparked widespread anger among motorists and businesses already grappling with a high cost of living and disrupted key sectors including transport, education, and supply chains.
In response, the government initiated talks with stakeholders and earlier reduced diesel prices by Sh10.06 while adjusting kerosene prices to discourage fuel adulteration.
Although operators initially rejected the offer, demanding a larger cut of Sh30–Sh35 per litre, they later agreed to suspend the strike for continued negotiations.
The government maintains that the fuel price pressures are largely driven by global geopolitical tensions rather than domestic policy.
Flanked by Energy CS Opiyo Wandayi, transport leaders, and Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja, Ruto defended government measures and dismissed calls to scrap fuel taxes, arguing they fund essential services.
He warned that removing fuel taxes would affect critical sectors such as roads, food production subsidies, security operations, education, and healthcare.
“These are not easy decisions. Leadership requires responsibility for both present and future stability,” he said.
Ruto added that Kenya is not alone in facing fuel shocks, noting that many countries are also experiencing similar challenges and must make difficult economic adjustments.
He, however, acknowledged that the burden should be shared fairly.
“The sacrifices must be fair and sustainable,” he said.
The expected diesel price cut is likely to ease pressure on transport operators, farmers, manufacturers, and logistics firms that rely heavily on diesel and have warned of rising costs of goods and services if prices remain high.
