Wajir Governor Ahmed Abdullahi on Tuesday urged the government to consider additional measures to cushion Kenyans, including the possible temporary suspension of some taxes on petroleum products.
He said fuel prices have wide-ranging effects across the economy.
Abdullahi, who also chairs the Council of Governors, spoke in Wajir town.
“I think it’s time to give hope to the people that the government will go back to the drawing board and see what further measures it can take to reduce the pain of pump prices for the common man. It has an effect on industry, on consumption, on transportation — you name it,” he said.
“Even if it means temporarily suspending more taxation on oil products, because this has an effect on everything that goes around.”
Abdullahi said higher fuel prices were affecting multiple sectors, warning that sustained increases would deepen economic pressure on households and businesses.
“We know that, as a responsible government, the national government will do everything possible and is hearing the Kenyan common man during this very difficult time,” he said.
The governor also defended the government, noting that the rising fuel prices were part of a global crisis driven by geopolitical tensions in the Middle East and international power struggles.
“Suffice it to say that this is a global problem. Even in oil-producing countries today, petroleum prices have shifted significantly,” Abdullahi said.
The governor’s comments came a day after matatu operators suspended their ongoing strike for one week to allow consultations between government and transport sector stakeholders aimed at resolving the dispute over fuel prices and related concerns.
Interior CS Kipchumba Murkomen said the decision followed agreement on the need for urgent dialogue to address the grievances raised by operators.
“There was need for negotiations with the stakeholders at a high level and they will take place within the next one week,” he said.
Murkomen said the suspension of the strike was necessary to create room for consultations and reduce further disruption to transport and economic activities.
“The strike will be suspended for one week to provide an avenue for consultations,” he said.
The suspension came after days of transport disruptions, looting and destruction of property witnessed in a number of towns across the country.
