Kenya’s President on Friday announced a reduction in diesel prices after deadly protests and a nationwide transport strike triggered by soaring fuel costs linked to escalating conflict in the Middle East.
The government move comes amid mounting public anger over rising living costs in the East African nation, where higher fuel prices have sharply increased transport fares and the cost of basic goods.
In a televised address to the nation, Ruto said the government would lower the price of diesel by 10 Kenyan shillings (around US$0.08) per litre in the June-July fuel pricing cycle.
The reduction, he said, was aimed at easing pressure on households and businesses struggling with the impact of rising energy costs.
“Through the government-to-government fuel supply framework, we have secured guaranteed fuel supplies despite global supply chain disruptions, ensuring uninterrupted fuel availability across the country,” Ruto said.
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The announcement followed two days of protests and strike action by public transport operators, who accused the government of failing to cushion ordinary Kenyans from spiralling fuel prices.
At least four people were killed and around 30 injured during clashes linked to the demonstrations, according to local media reports and emergency officials.
Public transport vehicles were pulled off roads in several major towns and cities, leaving thousands of commuters stranded and disrupting business activity.
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In Nairobi, protesters carrying empty fuel containers and placards marched through parts of the capital to denounce rising pump prices and the growing cost of living.
The unrest highlighted the economic strain facing many Kenyans as fuel price increases ripple through the economy, pushing up the prices of food, transport and other essentials.
Last week, Kenya raised retail fuel prices by as much as 23.5 percent for the May-June cycle, citing tight global crude supplies and surging international oil prices fuelled by tensions in the Middle East.
The latest increases pushed diesel prices to record highs in parts of the country, triggering warnings from transport operators that fares would have to rise sharply.
Kenya depends entirely on imported petroleum products, leaving the country highly vulnerable to fluctuations in global energy markets.
Analysts say the conflict in the Middle East has worsened supply concerns and driven up crude prices internationally, with African economies heavily exposed because of their reliance on imports.
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The government has sought to defend its fuel pricing policies, arguing that external market pressures are largely responsible for the increases.
Ruto said Friday that his administration had spent at least 28.1 billion Kenyan shillings on fuel price reduction measures between April and June, including tax relief and subsidies intended to cushion consumers.
But critics say the measures have failed to shield ordinary citizens from worsening economic hardship.
Opposition leaders and civil society groups have accused the government of moving too slowly to address rising prices and declining purchasing power.
The protests also underscore broader frustrations with Ruto’s administration, which has faced repeated criticism over taxes, economic reforms and the rising cost of living since taking office.
Kenya’s inflationary pressures have intensified in recent months as higher fuel costs feed into transport, manufacturing and food supply chains.
Economists warn that prolonged increases in energy prices could further weaken consumer spending and slow economic growth in one of East Africa’s largest economies.
For many Kenyans, however, the immediate concern remains the daily struggle to afford transport, food and electricity as global crises continue to drive up prices far from home.
