The Democratic Action Party-Kenya (DAP-K) party leader Eugene Wamalwa has sharply criticised the latest fuel price adjustments announced by the Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA), warning that the move will have far-reaching consequences on the cost of living across the country.

In a statement shared on X on Wednesday, April 15, 2026, Wamalwa expressed concern that the increase in fuel prices will not only affect motorists but will also have a direct impact on key sectors such as agriculture, manufacturing, and transport, which rely heavily on fuel to operate efficiently.

He explained that the adjustment is likely to trigger a chain reaction in the economy, in which higher fuel costs translate into higher prices for goods and services, ultimately placing a heavier burden on ordinary households already struggling to make ends meet.

“EPRA’s latest fuel price adjustment is a direct blow to all Kenyans, cutting across transport, agriculture, manufacturing, and household consumption. With fuel as a key input, this will trigger a ripple effect, raising production and distribution costs and worsening the cost-of-living crisis,” Wamalwa wrote.

Wamalwa further reflected on past developments, pointing to previous tax changes on fuel that he said contributed to economic strain and public unrest, particularly during the period of nationwide protests linked to the Finance Bill debates.

He noted that similar policy decisions in the past had led to increased inflation and public dissatisfaction, adding that during the Finance Bill protests, VAT on fuel rose from Ksh 8 per litre to 16%, significantly driving inflation and sparking nationwide demonstrations that culminated in the Bomas talks

“We have seen this trajectory before. During the Finance Bill protests, VAT on fuel rose from Ksh 8 per litre to 16%, significantly driving inflation and sparking nationwide demonstrations that culminated in the Bomas talks,” the statement reads.

The former Cabinet Secretary also revisited discussions from the Bomas talks, where stakeholders examined the structure of fuel pricing and proposed reforms to ease the burden on consumers through tax adjustments.

He argued that there was consensus on the need to review the multiple levies imposed on fuel, which he said significantly contribute to the high cost of petroleum products in the country.

“At Bomas, we established that fuel carries over 16 different levies and taxes. We proposed a rationalisation of these charges, including reducing VAT from 16% to 8% to ease pressure on Kenyans,” the statement reads.

Wamalwa went on to fault the government for failing to adopt those recommendations, instead choosing a policy direction that he said has only added to the financial strain faced by citizens.

He stated that subsequent decisions to increase fuel-related levies from Ksh 18 to Ksh 25 have worsened the situation, making it more difficult for Kenyans to cope with rising living expenses.

“However, the Kenya Kwanza administration rejected these proposals and, post-Bomas, further increased the fuel levy from KSh 18 to KSh 25, compounding the burden on citizens,” the statement reads.

He concluded by warning that the current policy approach is not sustainable and risks deepening inequality and economic hardship if left unaddressed.

“This policy direction remains economically unsustainable and socially regressive,” the statement reads.