Siaya Governor James Orengo has strongly criticised the recent fuel price increases announced by the Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA), stating that the current economic climate poses a significant burden to Kenyan households and raises concerns about the transparency of state institutions.

In a statement on his X handle on Wednesday, April 15, 2026, Orengo directly petitioned EPRA to issue the complete Cost of Service Study as soon as possible and explain the rationale behind the recent phased margin changes in fuel prices.

“EPRA must immediately publish the full Cost of Service Study and explain the rationale behind these phased margin revisions that are being implemented in total darkness,” Orengo’s statement read in part.

He questioned why this important document, which has a direct impact on the cost of transport and commodities, is not subjected to the same amount of publicity and stakeholder participation as the electricity tariffs.

The governor has explained that the recent rise in pump prices is occurring at a time when drivers are already struggling with an additional level of anxiety regarding fuel quality issues, such as reports of poor-quality or contaminated fuel in some areas of the nation.

Fuel surge to affect common household

The governor claims this is part of a larger structural issue in the leadership of Kenya’s petroleum sector, where people are increasingly becoming victims of decisions that lack adequate transparency and citizen involvement.

He cautioned that the common Kenyan citizens, the motorists, the masses using the transport system, and the common households that are indirectly affected by the increased prices of commodities are the ultimate losers in the current price regime.

Orengo further contended that regulatory price-setting in the petroleum sector has fallen into the shade of secrecy and industry players who have selfish interests. Such actions, he argued, would lead to a vicious circle of artificial inflation and inefficiencies that eventually would be detrimental to consumers and economic productivity.

Orengo proposes market-based pricing

The Siaya governor suggested a move towards a more competitive petroleum market where market-based pricing mechanisms will be more efficient for consumers than centrally set margins. He insisted on competition over administrative control as a way of increasing efficiency, accountability, and safeguarding Kenyans against unwarranted price increases.

The governor urged policymakers to prioritise transparency over secrecy and competition over regulated pricing mechanisms, as people are becoming increasingly frustrated with rising living costs.