Orengo issues demands to EPRA after increasing fuel prices in April review

Siaya Governor James Orengo

James Orengo has sharply criticised the latest fuel price increases announced by the Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA), warning that the move is placing an unbearable burden on Kenyan households.

In a statement shared on his X account on Wednesday, April 15, 2026, Orengo called on EPRA to immediately publish the full Cost of Service Study and explain the reasoning behind recent phased margin changes in fuel pricing.

“EPRA must immediately publish the full Cost of Service Study and explain the rationale behind these phased margin revisions that are being implemented in total darkness,” Orengo stated.

He questioned why such a critical document, which directly affects fuel prices, transport costs and the cost of goods, has not been subjected to the same level of public participation and scrutiny as electricity tariffs.

The governor further noted that the fuel price increase comes at a time when motorists are already grappling with concerns over fuel quality, including reports of contaminated or substandard fuel in parts of the country.

According to Orengo, the current situation reflects deeper structural challenges within Kenya’s petroleum sector, where key decisions are made without sufficient transparency or public involvement.

He warned that ordinary Kenyans—including motorists, commuters and households already struggling with the high cost of living—will bear the greatest impact of the rising fuel prices.

Orengo also criticised what he described as opaque price-setting practices, arguing that they risk creating artificial inflation and inefficiencies that ultimately hurt consumers and slow economic productivity.

To address the issue, the Siaya governor proposed a shift towards a more competitive, market-based pricing model, saying this would enhance efficiency, accountability and consumer protection.

He urged policymakers to prioritise transparency and competition over administrative control, warning that public frustration is likely to grow if the rising cost of living is not urgently addressed.