A coalition of activists and civil rights groups is planning nationwide peaceful protests over rising fuel prices and the high cost of living as Kenya marks the 63rd Mashujaa Day celebrations.
Mobilising under the Paza Sauti Movement, the activists, backed by civil society groups, youth and small traders, are demanding the suspension of VAT on petroleum products and greater transparency in fuel pricing.
The protests come days after the Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (Epra) raised maximum retail fuel prices, citing higher global import costs linked to shipping disruptions in the Middle East.
Super petrol increased by Sh12.93 per litre, diesel by Sh9.90 and kerosene by Sh28.49.
Operating under the banner Concerned Citizens of Kenya, the group is calling on the government to review taxes and levies on petroleum products, conduct an independent audit of the energy sector and introduce measures to cushion households and businesses against rising costs.
“The current cost of fuel is unbearable and burdens small businesses, manufacturers, farmers, transporters and households. High fuel and energy costs of production push up the price of essential commodities and threaten jobs and business sustainability,” activist Nyanjom Joshua said in a press statement on Monday.
The group also wants the government to introduce tax relief for farmers, manufacturers and other businesses struggling with higher operating costs, arguing that the measures would help sustain their economic activities.
“The relevant government agencies must now disclose the basis for fuel price adjustment, the taxes and levies charged per litre and the measures being taken to cushion consumers,” Nyanjom added.
He urged public transport operators, including boda boda riders, to stand in solidarity with commuters facing similar cost pressures rather than passing a disproportionate share of the rising fuel costs on to passengers.
Meanwhile, the Matatu Owners Association has ruled out a nationwide strike despite the latest increase in diesel prices, with its president, Albert Karakacha, confirming that operators would continue running their businesses.
Speaking on Sunday, October 18, Karakacha said the transport sector would have to adjust to the new prices but warned that commuters would bear the brunt as the effects filtered through the economy.
The latest fuel price review pushed pump prices in Nairobi to Sh226.96 per litre for super petrol, Sh227.76 for diesel and Sh219.87 for kerosene.
