Kenyan transport stakeholders have demanded that the government cap diesel prices at Ksh140 and petrol at Ksh150 per litre, reinstate fuel subsidies amid recent price hikes. The Transport Sector Forum, led by the Motorist Association of Kenya (MAK), issued the ultimatum after an emergency meeting in Nairobi today, warning of mass action if ignored.
Kenyan transport groups, including matatu owners, truck operators, boda boda riders and cargo haulers, met in Nairobi today and issued a list of demands. In a joint statement, they proposed designating the National Oil Corporation of Kenya (NOCK) as the sole handler for all Government-to-Government (G-to-G) fuel deals. "This measure is crucial to cushion members from artificial shortages, combat fuel adulteration, and eliminate other forms of exploitation prevalent in the market," the statement read.
The groups also called for the immediate reinstatement of fuel subsidies using reserved funds, and scrapping the monthly price reviews by the Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA). They want a return to the Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) model, which used a scientific formula and included stakeholders in the process.
Rising fuel costs have squeezed the sector, driving up prices of tyres, lubricants and spare parts. "The current volatile fuel pricing regime has inflicted immense losses across the transport sector, particularly impacting players who rely on early quotations for their services," they stressed. The forum requested an urgent meeting with Cabinet Secretary for Energy and Petroleum, Opiyo Wandayi, and a minimum three months' notice before any future price hikes.
