People Renaissance Movement has called upon calls out Government over Fuel Crisis
NAIROBI, Kenya, Apr 23 – The People Renaissance Movement (PM) has raised concern on the on-going fuel price increase that has plunged millions of Kenyans into economic crisis.
They condemns in the strongest terms the distress. “This is not accidental it is the predictable outcome of government negligence, policy failure and misplaced priorities”.
Fuel prices and supply instability continue to drive up the cost of living, with ordinary Kenyans bearing the full brunt of a crisis they did not the Transport costs have risen by 20-50%, food prices by 10-15% and small businesses-responsible for over 80% of employment-are being pushed to the brink of collapse.
They note that the government has failed Taxes account for approximately 40-50% of the pump price, among the highest burdens in the region,
No functional strategic fuel reserve to stabilize supply shocks Lack of transparency in fuel procurement, enabling inefficiencies and cartel influence Weak currency management, increasing the cost of fuel imports.
They propose urgent measures that can deliver relief within weeks-not years:Immediate Tax Relief (Impact: Reduce pump prices by KSh 20-30 per litre)
Suspend even the 8% VAT and reduce excise duty by at least 50% This alone can lower petrol and diesel prices by 15-20%, easing pressure on households and businesses.
Targeted Public Transport Subsidy (Stabilize fares by 15-25%), Allocate a KSh 15-20 billion stabilization fund to cushion matatu and bus operators Direct savings must be passed to commuters through regulated fare cellings Strategic
Fuel Reserve (Stabilize supply for 60-90 days) Immediately secure and maintain reserves equivalent to at least 2-3 months of national consumption
Prevent artificial shortages and panic-driven price spikes Transparency and Anti-Cartel Enforcement
Publish all fuel import contracts and pricing structures establishean independent audit of the fuel supply chain within 30 days.
They note that burden placed on wananchi is a direct consequence of dership that has chosen revenue extraction over economic protection.
A government that allows fuel-an essential commodity-to become unaffordable is a government that has lost its moral authority to lead.
The People’s Renaissance Movement stands firmly with the people of Kenya in demanding urgent relief, accountability and a new direction.
They call upon Kenyans to Reject economic oppression disguised as policy, Demand transparency and accountability at every level and Exercise their democratic power to vote out this insensitive regime.
