Deputy President Kithure Kindiki has defended the government over the rising fuel prices, assuring that they are working on fresh measures to ease the burden.

Speaking on Friday, May 15, 2026, at Rubiri in South Imenti during an inspection tour of development projects in Meru County, Kindiki assured citizens that the Kenya Kwanza administration is determined to shield households and businesses from the effects of the global oil supply disruption caused by tensions in the Persian Gulf.

The second in command said the state had already taken key interventions, including reducing Value Added Tax (VAT) on fuel from 16 per cent to eight per cent and releasing Ksh5 billion for fuel subsidies.

“The cost of fuel, insurance, and shipping has increased sharply because of the war in Iran. We are implementing every necessary action to stabilise prices and ensure Kenyans do not suffer,” Kindiki said.

He noted that the rise in global oil prices had affected many countries across the world but insisted that Kenya was keen on protecting consumers from the ripple effects of the crisis.

“We are looking at other options to cushion Kenyans from the higher cost of fuel. We do not want wananchi to suffer from high transport fares and the rising cost of living,” he added.

Additional interventions

The second in command further urged Kenyans to remain patient as the government works on additional interventions aimed at easing the burden on households and businesses already grappling with economic pressures.

Kindiki spoke after inspecting the ongoing construction of the Nkubu–Rubiri–Kamurita road, which is nearing completion, as well as the Rubiri Last Mile Electricity Connection Project.

Addressing residents at Rubiri Shopping Centre, he assured them that all ongoing projects in Meru County would be completed on schedule, adding that the government remained committed to improving livelihoods through infrastructure development.

“Meru County is among the major beneficiaries of the national road construction programme after the government allocated more than Sh39 billion for stalled and new road projects across various constituencies,” the DP said.

He noted that an additional Ksh3.7 billion has been earmarked for the upgrading of 17 kilometres of link roads within Meru town as part of plans to elevate the municipality into city status.

He also disclosed that the government had released Ksh1.3 billion under the Last Mile Electricity Connectivity Programme to connect at least 16,000 households to electricity in the county.

“We are fully focused on transforming the lives of the people of Meru. All these projects will be completed within the stipulated timelines,” he noted.

At the same time, he challenged political opponents to prepare for what he termed an issue-based political contest ahead of the next general election.

He said the Kenya Kwanza administration would campaign on its development record and the projects it had delivered to wananchi during its term in office and not empty rhetoric.

“When we return next year to seek your support, we will present what we have done for the people over the last five years. Our opponents must also tell Kenyans what they achieved when they were in power,” he said.

The Deputy President was accompanied by Meru governor Mutuma M’Ethingia, Kathuri Murungi (Meru senator), MPs Shadrack Mwiti (South Imenti) and Moses Kirima (Imenti Central), and members of the County Assembly and other local leaders.