UDA DEFENDS GOVERNMENT MEASURES AMID RISING FUEL PRICES AND COST OF LIVING PRESSURE.
BY NJOKI KARANJA.
The ruling United Democratic Alliance has assured Kenyans that the government is actively working to cushion households and businesses from the impact of rising fuel prices and the escalating cost of living crisis.
Speaking during a press briefing at the party headquarters in Nairobi, Hassan Omar acknowledged the economic hardships facing many Kenyans, saying the Kenya Kwanza administration understands the frustrations citizens are experiencing due to the increasing cost of basic commodities and transport.
“The government is fully committed to restoring stability and easing the prevailing economic pressure facing Kenyans,” Omar stated.He attributed the current fuel price crisis to global geopolitical tensions that have disrupted international oil markets and triggered a surge in fuel prices across many countries.
According to the UDA Secretary General, the government has already implemented several interventions aimed at shielding wananchi from the full burden of the increases. These include the reduction of Value Added Tax (VAT) on fuel from 16 per cent to 8 per cent and the activation of the fuel stabilisation programme through the Petroleum Development Fund.
Omar revealed that more than Sh16 billion has been allocated for fuel stabilisation in the current financial year, with billions already spent to cushion consumers against further price hikes.
“Without these interventions, fuel prices could have crossed Sh300 per litre,” he said.
He also defended the government-to-government fuel import arrangement, arguing that it has helped Kenya maintain a stable supply of petroleum products at a time when several countries are grappling with shortages and fuel rationing.
In measures expected to provide limited relief to transport operators and consumers, Omar announced that diesel prices had been reduced by Sh10.06 per litre effective May 19, while kerosene prices had been adjusted upwards to curb fuel adulteration.
He added that the government remains engaged in consultations with stakeholders in the transport and energy sectors to identify a long-term solution to the fuel crisis.
“There is strong optimism that an amicable and lasting solution will soon be reached,” Omar noted. At the same time, the UDA SG appealed to Kenyans to remain peaceful and avoid acts of violence or destruction of property as public pressure continues to mount over the rising cost of living.
While defending the government’s economic interventions, Omar also condemned growing political intolerance and divisive politics in the country, warning leaders against exploiting wananchi’s economic struggles for political mileage. “Political opportunists must not be allowed to exploit this grave situation for narrow and divisive political gains,” he said.
The UDA official further condemned the killing of Rachel Vendetta-Mudone, describing the incident as tragic and unacceptable.
“Such barbaric acts have no place in our society,” he said while conveying condolences to the deceased’s family and friends.
Omar also dismissed calls by critics seeking to destabilise the government, insisting that political grievances should be addressed through constitutional means ahead of the 2027 General Election.
Despite the government’s assurances, concerns remain high among Kenyans struggling with the rising cost of living. Critics argue that the interventions announced so far have not provided sufficient relief, with many households and transport operators warning that sustained fuel price increases are driving up the cost of food, transport, and other essential commodities.
