Deputy President Kithure Kindiki has stated that fuel prices in the country could have risen to nearly Ksh400 per litre had the government failed to intervene following the ongoing global fuel crisis.

Speaking during an engagement with grassroots leaders from Tharaka Nithi County on Monday, May 18, 2026, the deputy president said the government had taken several measures to cushion Kenyans from the sharp rise in global fuel prices triggered by the ongoing conflict involving the United States, Israel and Iran.

“Kama serikali haingekuwa imechukuwa hatua kadhaa, bei ya mafuta ingekuwa imefika Ksh300 ama Ksh400,” Kindiki said.

According to Kindiki, the effective closure of the Strait of Hormuz had disrupted global fuel supply chains, forcing ships to take longer routes, while insurance costs for fuel transportation had also surged significantly. He explained that these developments had greatly affected fuel importation costs across many countries, including Kenya.

The deputy president revealed that the government had already reduced value-added tax on fuel from 16 per cent to 8 per cent in a bid to lower the burden on consumers. He further disclosed that Ksh12 billion from the Fuel Stabilisation Fund had been used to manage local pump prices, arguing that without the intervention, fuel prices could already have exceeded KSh300 per litre.

Ruto’s intervention

Kindiki also announced that President William Ruto had directed Cabinet secretaries from the Treasury, Energy, Transport and Interior ministries to immediately engage stakeholders and explore additional measures aimed at restoring normalcy in the transport sector.

“President William Ruto has ordered an interministerial engagement of Cabinet Secretaries responsible for the National Treasury, Energy, Transport and Interior to engage with stakeholders to see what additional measures are necessary, and to make sure normalcy in the transport sector returns as soon as possible.” Kindiki said

The Deputy President acknowledged that Kenyans have a constitutional right to demonstrate over the rising cost of fuel and living expenses. However, he warned against criminal activities such as looting, arson, blocking roads and robbing motorists during the protests, saying those found engaging in unlawful acts would face firm action from security agencies.

Kindiki’s urge to Kenyans

He further appealed to Kenyans to remain calm and patient as the government continues evaluating further interventions to prevent fuel prices from rising to levels that could severely damage the country’s economy. According to Kindiki, the current crisis has largely been caused by external global factors beyond Kenya’s control.