File image of KPC Tank The Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA) has clarified why the National Oil Corporation of Kenya (NOCK) and the Kenya Pipeline Company (KPC) were excluded from the Government-to-Government (G-to-G) fuel importation deal, saying the decision was driven by international oil suppliers. Speaking during a television interview on Wednesday, April 15, 2026, EPRA Director Edward Kinyua said global oil firms declined to engage directly with unfamiliar entities due to the financial risks involved in handling high-value cargo. “If I’m placing a ship worth 100 million dollars into the water and I don’t know my counterpart, what happens if anything happens to that cargo?” Kinyua posed. He explained that the government had initially proposed NOCK as the local counterpart under the G-to-G framework. However, international suppliers rejected the proposal, opting instead to work with companies they already had established relationships with. This led to the selection of private firms such as Oryx Energies, Galana Energies Limited and Gulf Energy Limited. Additional firms, including One Petroleum Limited, Asharami Synergy and Be Energy, were later brought on board. Kinyua also noted that KPC could not participate in the arrangement, as its mandate is limited to transportation and storage of petroleum products, not importation or commercial trading. “Kenya Pipeline is not a trader; their work is transportation of petroleum,” he stated. He added that the G-to-G deal was introduced as an emergency measure in 2022, when oil marketers faced a severe dollar shortage that made it difficult to sustain imports under the open tender system. According to Kinyua, more than 145 oil marketers were previously required to source dollars and settle payments within five days of cargo arrival, placing immense pressure on the foreign exchange market. “The amount of money the private sector spends in terms of oil payment per month is to the tune of 500 million dollars,” he said, noting that the shortage had escalated into a crisis. He revealed that President William Ruto convened key stakeholders after being briefed on the dollar liquidity crunch, leading to the adoption of the G-to-G model—an approach he said has since drawn interest from other countries. The explanation comes amid growing criticism from leaders, including former Attorney General Justin Muturi and Kiharu MP Ndindi Nyoro, who have questioned the structure of the deal. Nyoro, who was part of the interview panel, claimed certain firms were benefiting disproportionately, alleging they take a share of the KSh17 per litre margin in addition to gains from landed costs. “The people profiting from G-to-G and the margins of oil in Kenya is KSh17, and they’re taking a slice of that and another from the landing cost. Those people are part of this government,” Nyoro claimed. He further alleged that the inclusion of Be Energy in the deal followed political developments in 2024, suggesting it was part of a reward system. Despite the criticism, EPRA maintained that the structure of the deal was largely shaped by the risk considerations and preferences of international oil suppliers.

File Image of South African opposition leader Julius Malema South African opposition leader Julius Malema has been sentenced to five years in prison after a court found him guilty of firing a rifle in the air during a political rally, a decision that could cost him his parliamentary seat. The 45-year-old remained in court in KuGompo City on Thursday as magistrates considered an application to appeal the sentence. It was not immediately clear whether the appeal process would delay his transfer to prison. Malema, who leads the Economic Freedom Fighters, the fourth-largest party in parliament, was convicted last year on five charges linked to the 2018 incident at a stadium in the Eastern Cape. “It is clear that if crimes are allowed to go unchecked and unpunished, it poses a serious threat to our democratic state,” magistrate Twanet Olivier said while delivering the ruling. The court handed Malema five years for unlawful possession of a firearm and an additional two years for unlawful possession of ammunition. He was also fined for three other offences, including discharging a firearm in a built-up area, with a custodial sentence if the fines are not paid. All sentences will run concurrently. Under the constitution of South Africa, any prison sentence exceeding 12 months, once all appeals are exhausted, disqualifies an individual from serving as a member of parliament. The ruling could deal a significant blow to Malema’s party, which draws strong backing from young South Africans frustrated by persistent inequality since the end of apartheid in 1994. The EFF has built its platform around policies such as nationalising mines and redistributing land from white farmers. Prosecutors had urged the court to impose a harsh sentence, warning that leniency would set a dangerous precedent. However, Malema’s legal team argued that the gun was fired as a celebratory gesture and did not pose any intended harm, pushing for a lighter penalty such as a fine.

President William Ruto has addressed growing calls for nationwide protests over rising fuel prices, urging leaders and citizens to focus on practical solutions instead of demonstrations. Speaking on Wednesday, April 15, Ruto dismissed protests as an effective response to the crisis, calling for more strategic approaches to ease the burden on Kenyans. “There are those saying that because fuel prices have increased globally, they will hold protests. I want to ask, if they protest, will the cost of fuel decrease? We must use our brains to find ways to reduce the price of fuel,” he said. His remarks came hours after former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua issued a warning, threatening nationwide protests if the government fails to act on the rising cost of fuel. Speaking during a press briefing on behalf of the opposition coalition, Gachagua gave the government a seven-day ultimatum to implement measures aimed at lowering fuel prices and addressing what he termed a deepening fuel crisis. The opposition called for the immediate convening of a special sitting of the National Assembly to debate and scrap the controversial government-to-government fuel import arrangement, which they blame for the recent price surge. “President William Ruto must immediately instruct the Speaker of the National Assembly to convene a special sitting to scrap the G-to-G arrangement,” Gachagua said. He and his allies also proposed a raft of measures to ease the cost of living, including removing or reducing fuel-related taxes such as VAT and the road maintenance levy, suspending the Affordable Housing Levy and NSSF deductions, and redirecting funds from major government projects to cushion consumers. According to the opposition, the measures are necessary following the latest review by the Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority, which pushed petrol and diesel prices above Ksh200 per litre. Gachagua warned that failure by the government to act within the given timeline would trigger mass action across the country. “If there is no action taken by William Ruto, we shall announce further measures to the people of Kenya to force the government and the National Assembly to act in the best interest of Kenyans,” he said. Despite the criticism, Ruto defended the government’s handling of the situation, saying the recent price increases were driven by global factors, including geopolitical tensions such as the Iran war. Speaking in Kisii County, the President said the government had intervened to cushion Kenyans, noting that fuel prices would have been significantly higher without subsidies. “The price of fuel has increased everywhere in the world, but in Kenya, we had planned to ensure that the increase was moderated,” he said. “The government has used Ksh6.2 billion to subsidise fuel costs. We have also reduced VAT to ensure we moderate prices, and I want to assure you that my government will do all it can.” Ruto maintained that the government-to-government fuel import arrangement has been beneficial, arguing that it helped Kenya avoid fuel shortages experienced in other countries. “The G-to-G arrangement has made Kenya a competitive fuel destination. Some countries do not even have fuel in their petrol stations, but in Kenya, we have enough,” he added.

Motorists and households are set to get slight relief after the Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA) announced a downward adjustment of fuel prices following a revision of Value Added Tax (VAT). In a press release issued on Tuesday, April 15, 2026, EPRA said the Cabinet Secretary for the National Treasury had reduced VAT from 13 per cent to 8 per cent through Legal Notice No. 70 dated April 15, 2026. According to the regulator, the tax cut prompted a recalculation of maximum retail petroleum prices, which will now apply between April 16 and May 14, 2026. “As a result, the pump price per litre in Nairobi of Super Petrol and Diesel decreases by KSh9.37 per litre and KSh10.21 per litre respectively while that of Kerosene remains unchanged,” EPRA stated. EPRA further noted that the subsidy on kerosene has also been reduced, dropping from KSh108.10 per litre to KSh96.56 per litre under the new pricing structure. The regulator explained that the revised prices take into account the lower VAT rate, offering temporary relief to consumers who had been grappling with high fuel costs. The latest review comes just a day after EPRA announced sharp increases in fuel prices, where Super Petrol had risen by KSh28.69 per litre and Diesel by KSh40.30 per litre, triggering public concern over the rising cost of living. The earlier hike had been attributed to global oil price pressures and exchange rate fluctuations, which have continued to impact Kenya’s fuel pricing model. President William Ruto, while addressing the public in Kisii, acknowledged the burden of high fuel prices and announced plans to lower VAT to cushion consumers, a move that has now been effected through the Treasury directive. However, questions had emerged over the legality of reducing VAT below the statutory threshold, with analysts noting that the law typically provides a minimum band for such adjustments. With the new changes now in force, consumers are expected to experience modest relief at the pump, although concerns remain over the sustainability of the intervention beyond the current pricing cycle.

William Ruto’s announcement that Value Added Tax (VAT) on fuel will be reduced from 16 per cent to 8 per cent has sparked legal and policy scrutiny, with existing tax laws indicating the measure may not be implemented immediately . Speaking during a public address in Kisii on Wednesday, April 15, 2026, Ruto said the government would lower VAT to 8 per cent for three months to cushion Kenyans from high fuel prices. “We have also stepped in to bring down VAT from 16 per cent to 8 per cent for the next three months,” he said, describing the move as part of a broader Ksh6.5 billion intervention aimed at easing the burden on consumers. However, the proposal faces legal hurdles under the Value Added Tax Act, which sets the standard VAT rate at 16 per cent. Section 5(2)(b) of the law provides that, in all non-zero-rated cases, the tax rate shall remain at 16 per cent of the taxable value. Meanwhile, Section 6(1) allows the Cabinet Secretary for the National Treasury to vary the rate by a margin not exceeding 25 per cent of the base rate through a Gazette notice. In practical terms, this provision limits any downward adjustment from 16 per cent to a minimum of 12 per cent, meaning a reduction to 8 per cent falls outside the allowable legal range. As a result, such a change cannot be effected through an executive directive alone and would require an amendment to the law by Parliament. The implication is that the proposed VAT cut, while presented as an immediate relief measure, is not legally actionable under the current framework. The announcement comes amid growing pressure to ease fuel costs, with Ndindi Nyoro proposing a broader package of fiscal measures. Nyoro has called for a Ksh5 billion subsidy top-up, removal of the Ksh7 per litre fuel levy introduced in 2024, and a five-percentage-point VAT reduction. He argues that the combined measures could lower pump prices by up to Ksh27 per litre. “The drastic increment in fuel prices is unacceptable,” Nyoro stated, adding that the proposals aim to restore fuel taxation to pre-2023 levels rather than introduce new subsidies. While subsidy measures such as the recently announced Ksh6.2 billion allocation fall within the government’s executive authority, changes to VAT remain bound by statutory limits. The developments come as fuel prices continue to rise following the latest review by the Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA), adding pressure on transport, logistics and the overall cost of living.

Fuel Pump For illustration William Ruto has unveiled a series of measures aimed at cushioning Kenyans from rising fuel costs, as global supply disruptions linked to the Middle East crisis continue to push prices upward. In a statement issued on Wednesday, April 15, 2026, the President said the government had stepped in to shield households and businesses from the ripple effects of instability in the international fuel market. He noted that the intervention is part of broader efforts to keep the cost of living manageable, particularly as fuel prices directly influence transport, food, and other essential commodities. “In a decisive move to protect and ease the burden on Kenyans from the volatile shocks of the conflict in the Middle East, the government has stepped in with a package to keep life affordable,” the statement read. Ruto pointed to the government-to-government (G-to-G) fuel import arrangement as a key strategy in stabilising supply and moderating price fluctuations at the pump. “Building on the foundation of the G-to-G fuel arrangement, which has successfully provided long-term stability to the pump price, the National Treasury has implemented a reduction in VAT on fuel, slashing it from 16 per cent to 8 per cent for the next three months,” the statement added. The President further revealed that the tax cut will be complemented by additional financial support through a subsidy drawn from the Petroleum Development Levy. “This targeted tax relief, combined with a Ksh6.5 billion subsidy from the Petroleum Development Levy, serves as a cushion against what would have otherwise been a spike in pump prices,” the statement read. The government maintains that the combined measures are designed to absorb part of the global shock and ease pressure on consumers amid rising fuel costs.

Kiharu MP Ndindi Nyoro Ndindi Nyoro has called for urgent government intervention to reduce fuel prices in Kenya, sharply criticising the handling of the ongoing fuel crisis and warning that consumers are under severe economic pressure. In a press statement issued on Wednesday, April 15, 2026, the legislator said the government has not demonstrated sufficient commitment to addressing rising pump prices, arguing that immediate fiscal and policy reforms are necessary to stabilise the economy. “It has been laid bare and apparent that the government has never been keen or committed to providing a solution to the crisis that has been imminent since the end of February. The drastic increment in fuel prices is unacceptable; a more humane variation must be made by reducing the pump prices now,” Nyoro stated. The MP proposed a series of measures aimed at lowering fuel costs, including tax reductions and increased subsidies. He argued that Kenya’s current fuel prices are disproportionately high compared to global oil market trends. Nyoro suggested the removal of the Ksh7 fuel levy introduced in 2024, a five per cent reduction in Value Added Tax, and an additional Ksh5 billion injection into the Fuel Stabilization Fund, which he said could collectively lower pump prices by about Ksh12 per litre. He maintained that these adjustments would not introduce new subsidies but would instead restore previous tax levels before recent increases. The lawmaker also warned that unclear communication on fuel pricing could create uncertainty in the market, potentially triggering hoarding by fuel dealers. “Failure by the government to clearly communicate the composition of fuel pricing may lead to supply chain hoarding, as dealers are unsure who is paying what and for what,” he said. Nyoro further questioned the adequacy of existing subsidies, noting that the Fuel Stabilization Fund holds about Ksh20 billion, which he said remains underutilised despite rising costs. He urged the government to allocate at least Ksh10 billion in subsidies up to May 14, 2026, to cushion consumers against high fuel prices. The MP also called for a review of the current tax structure on fuel, arguing that VAT and other levies should be reduced or temporarily suspended to ease pressure on households and businesses. Nyoro warned that continued delays in addressing the issue could deepen economic strain, given that Kenya’s economy is heavily dependent on fuel for transport, production, and distribution.

The United Alternative Government has accused President William Ruto’s administration of presiding over what it describes as one of the biggest fuel scandals in Kenya’s history, claiming that the energy sector has been turned into a “criminal enterprise.” In a statement issued on April 15, 2026, the opposition said the government has failed to shield Kenyans from rising fuel costs, instead allowing the sector to be driven by profiteering interests at the expense of citizens. “Today, we wish to draw the attention of Kenyans to one of the greatest fuel scandals in the history of independent Kenya. Kenyans are on their own and the entire energy value chain is completely a criminal enterprise,” the statement read. The allegations come shortly after the Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA) announced a sharp increase in fuel prices, with super petrol rising by Ksh28.69 per litre and diesel increasing by Ksh40.30 per litre. The opposition linked the price hike to the government-to-government (G-to-G) fuel import arrangement involving international suppliers Saudi Aramco, ADNOC and ENOC, which operate alongside selected local oil marketing companies. It claimed that supply disruptions linked to tensions in the Middle East triggered an emergency response that opened the door for questionable procurement decisions. According to the statement, local firms were invited to supply emergency fuel stocks, with contracts initially awarded to the lowest bidders in line with procurement rules, before alleged interference altered the process. “After Mr William Ruto got a brief that Gulf Energy’s bid was knocked out on technical grounds… he issued clear instructions that Gulf Energy bids be affixed to the procurement process,” the opposition claimed. The group further alleged that this interference disrupted lawful procurement procedures and introduced political influence into fuel supply arrangements. The statement also referenced the arrest of former Petroleum Principal Secretary Mohamed Liban, former EPRA Director General Daniel Kiptoo and former Kenya Pipeline Company Managing Director Joe Sang, arguing that they acted within the law during emergency fuel import decisions. “To date, the three arrested Kenyans… have had no charges preferred on them. Why? They had no case to answer as they followed and applied the law strictly,” it stated. The opposition accused the government of shielding the “real architects” of the crisis while targeting officials who acted procedurally. It further argued that recent fuel price increases would generate significant gains for actors within the supply chain, estimating profits of up to Ksh5 per litre. The group also compared Kenya’s fuel prices with neighbouring countries such as Uganda, where petrol averages about Ksh175 per litre and diesel Ksh170, despite fuel passing through the Port of Mombasa. Among its demands, the opposition called for a special sitting of Parliament within seven days to address the crisis, cancellation of the G-to-G fuel import framework, and immediate resignation and prosecution of Energy CS Opiyo Wandayi and Trade CS Lee Kinyanjui. It also proposed suspension of several levies, including the Road Maintenance Levy, Affordable Housing Levy and increased NSSF deductions, saying the measures would ease pressure on households. “Kenyans cannot continue to pay political rent at the pump,” the statement added. The government, however, has defended recent tax adjustments and subsidy measures, saying they are aimed at cushioning consumers while maintaining fiscal stability amid global oil market pressures. Despite this, rising fuel costs continue to drive up transport fares and commodity prices, with pressure mounting on the government to take further action.

United Opposition leaders The United Alternative Government has called for the resignation of Energy Cabinet Secretary Opiyo Wandayi and Trade CS Lee Kinyanjui over the ongoing fuel importation saga. Speaking on behalf of opposition leaders on Wednesday, April 15, 2026, former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua urged the two Cabinet Secretaries to step aside to allow for independent investigations into the matter. “We unequivocally demand the resignation and prosecution of the minister for energy and petroleum, Mr Opiyo Wandayi, for the fuel scandal and lying under oath to the National Assembly committee,” Gachagua said. “We also demand the resignation of Lee Kinyanjui for being complicit and part of the scandal,” he added. Gachagua argued that the alleged scandal has worsened the already high cost of living, accusing key government ministries of mismanagement and lack of accountability. The opposition also called for greater transparency in the fuel pricing process, urging authorities to make public all details surrounding recent price adjustments. They warned that failure to act against those implicated would erode public trust in government institutions. The demands come amid growing concern over rising fuel prices and reports of contaminated fuel in parts of the country, which have sparked outrage among motorists and industry stakeholders. The United Alternative Government maintained that restoring confidence in the energy and trade sectors will require holding senior officials accountable and conducting thorough investigations. The developments follow the latest fuel price review by the Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA), announced on April 14, 2026. In the review, EPRA increased the price of super petrol by Ksh28.69 per litre and diesel by Ksh40.30 per litre, while kerosene prices remained unchanged. “In the period under review, the maximum allowed petroleum pump prices for super petrol and diesel increased by Ksh28.69 per litre and Ksh40.30 per litre respectively, while the price of kerosene remained unchanged,” EPRA stated.

The United Opposition has called for a special sitting of the National Assembly to, among other demands, outlaw the controversial G-to-G fuel deal, while accusing William Ruto of benefiting from the latest fuel price increase. Addressing the press in Karen, Nairobi on Wednesday, April 15, 2026, opposition leaders, in a statement read by Rigathi Gachagua, also demanded the resignation of Energy and Petroleum Cabinet Secretary Opiyo Wandayi and Trade CS Lee Kinyanjui. Gachagua said the opposition had received what he described as intelligence from Kenyans regarding the fuel importation arrangement that came under scrutiny during the Easter holiday period. He claimed that a decision by former Kenya Pipeline Company Managing Director Joe Sang, officials from the Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA), and former Petroleum Principal Secretary Liban Mohamed on emergency fuel importation was allegedly overturned. “The three international companies in the G-to-G deal supply and distribute through six local oil marketing companies, but what was hidden from the public was the real culprits of this scandal. The team leaders are William Ruto, Felix Koskei, CS Opiyo Wandayi and a local company,” Gachagua claimed. He further alleged that following the latest fuel price adjustments announced on April 14, 2026, the President stands to benefit directly from fuel consumption across the country. “Following the April 14, 2026 price adjustment, Mr William Ruto will earn a profit of Kenya Shillings five for every litre consumed by the people of Kenya,” Gachagua claimed. He added that the projected earnings could amount to approximately Ksh2.5 billion from an estimated 500 million litres expected to be supplied for regional consumption. The opposition insists that the National Assembly should urgently intervene, warning that the current fuel pricing structure raises serious accountability and transparency concerns.

Vivo energies Petrol Station Fuel prices across East Africa continue to vary widely, with Kenya recording the highest costs for both petrol and diesel in the region. In Kenya, motorists are currently paying Ksh206.97 per litre of petrol and Ksh206.84 per litre of diesel, placing the country at the top of the regional price range. By comparison, Uganda has relatively lower prices, with petrol retailing at Ksh187.96 and diesel at Ksh186.22. Tanzania also maintains moderate pricing, with petrol at Ksh190.19 and diesel at Ksh189.49. Further north, Ethiopia records some of the lowest fuel prices, particularly for diesel at Ksh134.81, while petrol costs Ksh177.06. In the Great Lakes region, Rwanda posts petrol prices at Ksh203.09 and diesel at Ksh194.45, positioning it just below Kenya. Meanwhile, Burundi has the lowest prices among the countries surveyed, with petrol at Ksh171.33 and diesel at Ksh168.12. The latest prices follow a review by the Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA), which announced new rates effective from April 15 to May 14, 2026. According to EPRA, diesel increased by Ksh40.30 per litre, while super petrol rose by Ksh28.69 per litre. The price of kerosene remained unchanged. “In Nairobi, super petrol, diesel and kerosene now retail at Ksh206.97, Ksh206.84 and Ksh152.78 respectively, effective midnight for the next 30 days,” EPRA stated. The regulator noted that the new prices factor in various tax components and legislative changes affecting the petroleum sector. “The prices are inclusive of Value Added Tax (VAT), in line with the VAT Act, 2013 as read with Legal Notice No.69 dated April 14, 2026, the Finance Act, 2023, the Tax Laws (Amendment) Act 2024 and the revised excise duty rates adjusted for inflation,” the statement added. To cushion consumers from rising global fuel costs, EPRA said the government reduced VAT on petroleum products from 16 per cent to 13 per cent. “Effectively, the VAT rate on super petrol, diesel and kerosene has been reduced to cushion consumers from the high landed cost of petroleum products due to escalated international prices,” EPRA explained. The government will also utilise approximately Ksh6.2 billion from the Petroleum Development Levy (PDL) to stabilise pump prices. EPRA further clarified that a recent fuel shipment delivered by One Petroleum was excluded from the pricing calculations. “We wish to reiterate that the super petrol delivered by One Petroleum ex MT Paloma has not been included in the computation of the applicable prices,” the regulator said. The authority attributed the sharp increase in prices to a surge in global fuel costs over the past month. “The average landed cost of imported super petrol increased by 41.53 per cent from US$582.11 per cubic metre in February 2026 to US$823.87 per cubic metre in March 2026. Diesel rose by 68.72 per cent to US$1,073.2 per cubic metre, while kerosene increased by 105.15 per cent to US$1,311.93 per cubic metre,” EPRA stated.

Electric Matatus In Nairobi CBD Passengers in Nairobi have protested a Sh20 increase in fares by electric buses and matatus, arguing that the move is unjustified given the vehicles do not rely on petrol or diesel. The complaints follow the latest fuel price review by the Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA), which saw diesel prices rise by Ksh40.30 per litre and petrol by Ksh28.69, triggering fare hikes across the public transport sector. While conventional matatu operators defended the increase citing higher diesel costs, commuters expressed frustration that electric-powered vehicles had also raised fares. “We expected the diesel matatus to increase fares, but not electric ones. Why should we pay more when they don’t use fuel?” one passenger posed. Another commuter said the move defeats the purpose of introducing electric public transport, which has been marketed as a cheaper alternative. “These buses were supposed to help us save money. Now they are increasing fares just like the others. It doesn’t make sense,” she said. Earlier, the Matatu Owners Association, through its president Albert Karakacha, confirmed that operators would raise fares following the spike in diesel prices. “We have been consulting, and we will push the prices for buses up because we normally use diesel and the diesel has gone up by 40 shillings,” Karakacha said. However, the inclusion of electric matatus and buses in the fare increase has sparked debate, with passengers questioning whether operators are taking advantage of the situation. Industry players note that electric vehicles still incur costs such as electricity, maintenance and financing, which may also be affected by broader economic pressures linked to rising fuel prices. Even so, many Kenyans insist the burden is increasingly being shifted to commuters regardless of the type of vehicle. On social media, some users termed the move “daylight robbery,” while others called for government intervention to regulate fares for electric public transport. “Electric or diesel, we are the ones suffering. Every week it’s a new increase,” one user lamented, as frustration grows over the rising cost of daily commuting.