The Lower Eastern Times Opening The Third Eye
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Siaya Governor James Orengo has strongly condemned the latest fuel price increases by the Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA), accusing the agency of lacking transparency and disregarding the public.
In his statement, Orengo argued that the regulator raised fuel prices without clearly explaining how the new rates were determined, saying Kenyans are being forced to bear the burden of decisions made without openness.
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He criticised the move harshly, claiming the increase was not just economic pressure but an affront to citizens’ understanding, describing the situation as one where key details behind pricing remain hidden from the public.
EPRA recently announced new fuel prices for the April–May 2026 cycle, with petrol rising by Sh28.69 per litre and diesel by Sh40.30, while kerosene prices remained unchanged. The adjustments are expected to drive up transport costs and, in turn, increase the cost of goods and services.
Orengo questioned the justification for the increments and called on EPRA to release the full Cost of Service Study used to determine the pricing. He criticised the phased margin adjustments, saying they lack accountability and are being implemented without public scrutiny.
Drawing comparisons to the energy sector, he noted that electricity tariffs typically involve public participation before approval and insisted that fuel pricing—given its importance to the economy—should follow the same process.
He further accused regulators of overseeing a system that disadvantages ordinary citizens while favouring industry players, arguing that current price controls have led to inefficiencies and artificially high costs.
According to Orengo, Kenya would benefit from a more open and competitive petroleum market, where pricing is driven by competition rather than centrally controlled margins, to better protect consumers.
He also linked the price hike to rising public frustration over recent concerns about fuel quality, noting that motorists have been dealing with fears of contaminated fuel, only to face higher prices at the pump.
