Mwaura: Fuel protests will push country deeper into crisis

In a press statement, Mwaura noted that the country is still recovering from the KSh6 billion in losses incurred during last year’s demonstrations. He warned that further protests could plunge the country into a deeper crisis.

“During the last protests, Kenya incurred losses amounting to KSh6 billion, according to figures from the Kenya Revenue Authority. Anyone calling for further protests risks plunging the country into a deeper economic crisis, ultimately harming the very youth they claim to represent,” Mwaura said.

He added that the fuel crisis is not unique to Kenya but is a global issue influenced by “complex geopolitical and market factors.”

As a result, he explained, fuel prices have also risen in neighbouring countries, meaning the increases seen in Kenya are not isolated.

However, Mwaura noted that prices in Kenya may be slightly higher than in neighbouring countries due to its economic position.

"Kenya is classified as a middle-income economy with a relatively high GDP per capita. Our economy is valued at approximately 123 billion US dollars, while many neighbouring countries are classified as least developed countries (LDCs). Therefore, a fair comparison of fuel prices should be made against other middle-income nations, where prices are often comparable or even higher than those in Kenya,” he said.

“Kenya’s unique position as a middle-income economy with extensive infrastructure needs also impacts its fuel pricing,” he added.

While acknowledging that fuel prices are high, Mwaura said the government remains committed to mitigating their adverse effects on the economy.

He called on stakeholders and leaders to support government efforts to manage the crisis through sound policies rather than protests, which he said could further harm the economy.

“We call upon all leaders and stakeholders to support the government’s efforts to manage the fuel crisis through sound economic policies rather than protests or political grandstanding, which exacerbate economic challenges,” he said.