Kiharu Member of Parliament Ndindi Nyoro has strongly condemned the move by the government to cut fuel VAT by 16 per cent to 8 per cent, saying that it is a calculated move which is meant to win the hearts of people but not to deal with the actual factors that have caused high fuel prices in Kenya.

In an interview with a local TV station on Wednesday, April 15, 2026, Nyoro accused the government of intentionally exacerbating the fuel prices and then implementing very slight relief measures that he claims are presented as big successes.

“We have a conniving government; they have not reduced the fuel prices. Don’t fall into those fallacies where the government has made things so bad, and then when they make them slightly better, they want us to celebrate them,” Nyoro said.

The legislator argued that the VAT cut-off is not equivalent to significant relief for ordinary Kenyans who still struggle with the high prices at the pumps. In his opinion, the marginal adjustment will do nothing to undo the compound effect of past tax hikes and policy choices that have pushed fuel prices high.

Nyoro also suggested that this policy approach is indicative of a tendency toward policy inconsistency, in which short-term solutions are proposed without focusing on structural inefficiencies within the energy sector. He cautioned that these actions would undermine the confidence of the people, especially when most families are grappling with the issue of increased transport and commodity prices.

Govt reduces fuel VAT to 8%

In 2023, the VAT on fuel was first increased to 16 per cent (rather than 8 per cent), and this action has played a significant role in the fuel price spike and a nationwide outcry. The government has recently reinstated the rate to 8 per cent as part of major initiatives to alleviate the fuel prices.

Nyoro has insisted that the cut is too small and more of a show, and policymakers need to implement more radical measures to stabilise the price of oil and protect consumers against economic shocks.

His comments contribute to mounting criticism by political leaders and economic analysts, who contend that without further reforms in taxation and fuel-pricing mechanisms, Kenyans will not likely feel relief at the pump.