The Motorists Association of Kenya has called on the government to rethink fuel pricing policies ahead of the latest review by the Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority, warning that current measures continue to push up the cost of living and strain households and businesses across the country.
In its statement issued on Tuesday, April 14, 2026, when EPRA normally announces fuel pump prices, the association said it was closely watching the expected adjustment, which could lead to an increase, reduction, or no change in fuel prices.
It argued that public policy should be guided by the needs of citizens and not mirror systems that burden people in other countries.
“We reiterate that good governance demands the formulation of policies that prioritize the welfare of citizens, rather than copying exploitative practices from countries that take advantage of their own people.”
Currently, EPRA has set fuel prices at Sh178.28 per litre for Super Petrol, Sh166.54 for Diesel, and Sh152.78 for Kerosene. This is according to the March to April fuel review announced on March 14, 2026.
The association further stated that the removal of fuel subsidies by the current administration created an opportunity to bring them back, saying this would help protect Kenyans from rising transport and food prices that have affected daily life.
It noted that the impact of high fuel costs is already being felt across key sectors, including rising food prices and increased transport fares.
“The decision by the current administration to remove fuel subsidies now presents the right opportunity to restore them, in order to cushion Kenyans against the severe consequences of high fuel prices. These consequences are evident in the rising cost of food, increased fares.”
The association also pointed to changes in taxation and levies introduced after the government took office, saying they have contributed to higher pump prices.
“Upon assuming office, the government increased VAT on fuel by 8%, removed fuel subsidy standardisation fund & further raised the Road Maintenance Levy Fund by Ksh 7 per litre, an increase we maintain is illegal. Reversing these three measures would significantly lower pump prices.”
It added that global fuel market trends over the past three years had created what it described as windfall revenue for the government, arguing that consumers have not benefited from the lower international prices.
The association also raised concern over repeated reports on alleged illegal fuel shipments and diversion claims, saying the issue has been used to distract the public.
“The continued narrative of alleged illegal fuel shipments, diversion claims, & the publicized sacking officials; without any prosecutions, is a diversionary tactic aimed at misleading the public while exploitation persists. Such actions amount to economic offenses against Kenyans.”
It urged the government to take stronger responsibility in protecting citizens from rising living costs, saying the current situation has placed pressure on businesses and led to closures in some sectors.
“Government must act as a protector of its citizens, not an exploiter. The current cost of living crisis, driven largely by high and unjustified fuel prices, has crippled the economy, forcing many businesses and industries to shut down.”
The association maintained that urgent corrective action is needed to stabilize fuel prices and ease pressure on households.
MAK's demands come a day after Energy and Petroleum Cabinet Secretary Opiyo Wandayi assured Kenyans that there will be no significant increases in fuel prices.
Appearing before the parliament's energy committee on Monday, April 13, Wandayi said the prices would not increase substantially because the controversial fuel consignment had been excluded from the monthly pump price computation.
According to the CS, if the consignment brought into the country by One Petroleum Company had been factored in, prices would have risen by Sh14 per litre of petrol.
However, despite the assurance, many Kenyans are now speculating a looming and marginal increase in fuel prices in the period under review.