Nelson Koech slams govt officials after Ruto explains why fuel prices in Kenya are higher
By Mustafa Juma, April 20, 2026Belgut Member of Parliament (MP) Nelson Koech has publicly criticised government officials, suggesting some are failing in their duties after President William Ruto was forced to personally explain why fuel prices in Kenya remain higher than in neighbouring countries.
Speaking during an interview with a local TV station on Monday, April 20, 2026, Koech questioned why such a technical and policy-driven issue was being addressed at the highest level instead of by the relevant government agencies and experts.
Inefficiency within government ranks
Koech did not hold back, hinting at inefficiency within government ranks. According to him, it was unfair on the president for him to explain such an issue.
“I was looking at the clips today, and I was like, why is the president explaining, for instance, why we have a higher cost of fuel in Kenya compared to the region, yet we have people who are supposed to be doing that job. It is being unfair on the president. It tells you there is someone who is sleeping on his job,” Koech said.
The lawmaker argued that explaining fuel pricing structures should be the responsibility of sector-specific officials, not the Head of State.
“There are some people somewhere who are not doing what they are supposed to do,” he said.
Ruto’s explanation
The remarks come a day after President Ruto explained why fuel prices in Kenya often remain higher than in neighbouring countries, pointing to the country’s middle-income status and tax structure.
Speaking during a Sunday service at Karen Africa Gospel Church on April 19, 2026, Ruto said comparisons between Kenya and its neighbours are often misleading.
“I know many people in Kenya keep asking, you know, why is it that sometimes prices of fuel are different in Kenya from our neighbours? Sometimes maybe it’s good to let them know, because it’s important for people to know,” he said.
He said the first reason is Kenya’s economic classification.
“Kenya is a middle-income country. Our neighbours are the least developed countries. There is a big difference,” he said.
Ruto added that fair comparisons should be made with countries of a similar economic level.
“If you want to compare Kenya fairly with others, compare Kenya with other middle-income countries. That is how you will get the figures right. Middle-income countries like Kenya are possibly have higher prices than Kenya or the same,” he said.
The president also linked fuel prices to the country’s tax system and infrastructure demands.
“Our fuel supports transport infrastructure,” he said, noting that Kenya maintains a large road network compared to its regional peers.
He said the country has more than 20,000 kilometres of tarmac roads and is building an additional 6,000 kilometres.
“20,000 kilometres of tarmac to maintain here in Kenya is actually the same for the other six or seven East African countries combined,” he said.