President Ruto defends Fuel Levy hike despite public concerns

This decision contradicts a pledge by the former Cabinet Secretary, Kipchumba Murkomen, that the government would not disregard concerns raised by Kenyans during the public participation exercise.

The demand for good governance, evidenced by protests nationwide, has prominently featured calls for strict adherence to the law and established processes. 

However, the swift implementation of the road maintenance levy has sparked debate. 

A gazette notice reveals that then Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen gazetted the levy increase on July 10, just a day after assuring Kenyans that their significant concerns during public participation would be taken into account.

A report on public participation by the Ministry of Transport mandated the ministry to proceed with the implementation while ensuring it does not escalate fuel costs beyond current prices. 

Following the new measures, 82 shillings and 74 cents of fuel prices constitute levies and taxes. The breakdown of taxes and levies on fuel includes:

The price adjustments now dictate that consumers in Nairobi will pay a maximum of Ksh. 188.84 per litre of super petrol, Ksh. 171.60 per litre of diesel, and Ksh. 161.75 per litre of kerosene.

President William Ruto, however, has defended the levy increase, asserting that it will not impact fuel costs.

Kenya is currently facing a road maintenance deficit of Ksh. 78 billion for the fiscal year 2024, projected to rise to Ksh. 315 billion by fiscal year 2028/2029.