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Fuel prices in Kenya have once again surged—Super Petrol up by KSh 8.99 and Diesel by KSh 8.67 per litre. But this time, the Motorists Association of Kenya (MAK) isn’t staying silent. In a scathing statement dated July 17, the association accused the government of exploiting motorists under the guise of energy regulation, even though global oil prices remain relatively low, under $70 a barrel.
The association termed the latest increase as shocking and unjustified, claiming the Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA) acted without logic or transparency. The rise, they argue, is not driven by actual market dynamics but by a deliberate government strategy to squeeze money from overtaxed citizens.
“When world oil prices dropped, EPRA only reduced prices by KSh 1. That was an insult,” the statement read. “Now that they’ve raised them by almost KSh 9, it's clear this isn’t about global markets—it’s about taxes.”
MAK emphasized that taxes now make up nearly half the cost of fuel, calling the structure not only economically destructive but morally indefensible. The group warned that the economic pressure is pushing many motorists—and even transport operators—toward financial collapse.
Citing recent revelations, the association highlighted that part of the fuel levy is being used as collateral for a secret KSh 175 billion loan—an issue first brought to public light by former Budget Committee Chair Ndindi Nyoro. This, they claim, is just one example of opaque fuel policies passed without public consultation or legislative oversight.
In response to the new prices and mounting frustrations, motorists are demanding the reinstatement of the Open Tender System (OTS). Under this mechanism, Kenya sourced petroleum from the most affordable global suppliers through competitive bidding, ensuring a free-market approach and reasonable downstream distribution prices.
“Pump prices must be dictated by genuine world market forces—not political deals hidden behind closed doors,” MAK declared.
If the demands for pricing transparency and reformed procurement mechanisms aren’t met, the association warns of legal action and potential street demonstrations, a signal of growing public anger.
The Motorists Association didn’t stop at pricing. It also accused EPRA and the Energy Ministry of turning a blind eye to widespread fuel adulteration. According to the statement, rogue fuel marketers face minimal penalties while motorists suffer major losses due to engine damage from low-quality products.
Shockingly, some top oil marketers in Kenya are allegedly selling fuel with substandard octane levels, further jeopardizing engine performance and driver safety. Yet EPRA has remained silent, failing to compensate or protect affected consumers.
The association pointed out that even Tanzania, which sent officials to Kenya for energy benchmarking, returned and immediately raised their fuel prices by KSh 27 per litre. For MAK, this is further proof that bad fuel policy decisions in Nairobi can ripple across the region—and that government decisions are no longer based on logic, but secrecy and short-term fiscal gains.
As pressure mounts, motorists across the country are demanding immediate reversal of the price hikes, full transparency in oil procurement deals, and consumer-focused reforms to prevent the energy sector from being weaponized against the public.
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