Makueni senator Dan Maanzo has raised concerns over Kenya’s fuel pricing and taxation system, arguing that the current structure is unfair to ordinary citizens and is contributing to the rising cost of living across the country.

Speaking during an interview with a local TV station on Monday, May 18, 2026, Maanzo said Kenya’s pump prices remain significantly higher compared to other countries in the region, a situation he warned is placing unnecessary pressure on households and businesses.

The senator questioned why Kenya continues to experience elevated fuel costs despite being a regional transport and trade hub.

“Our fuel prices are far too high compared to those in the region,” he said.

Maanzo argued that the high cost of fuel directly impacts transportation, food prices, and overall economic stability.

Concerns over diesel and kerosene pricing

The senator also raised concerns over the pricing structure of diesel and kerosene, noting their widespread use in both commercial and domestic sectors.

He pointed out that diesel is heavily relied on by matatus, lorries transporting goods, and tractors used in agriculture, making it central to Kenya’s economy.

“Diesel is used by almost every common mwananchi because that is where the matatus are, that is where the lorries that transport goods and food are, and that is where the tractors which farm are,” he said.

Maanzo added that kerosene is also used as jet fuel, indirectly cushioning the expenses of wealthier individuals, including aircraft and helicopter owners.

Criticism of taxation and VAT

The senator further criticised the application of VAT and other taxes on fuel, arguing that Kenyans are not adequately protected from the resulting price increases.

He said the current taxation system is pushing up the cost of essential goods and services, worsening inflationary pressures in the economy.

“Kenyans aren’t cushioned against VAT and unnecessary taxes. Things will become more expensive,” he warned.

Roads funding concerns

Maanzo also questioned the link between fuel taxes and road development, arguing that despite significant revenue collection from fuel levies, the quality of infrastructure remains poor in many parts of the country.

He said Kenyans expect fuel taxes to translate into better roads, but this has not been consistently achieved.

“Taxes collected from fuel are supposed to build roads, yet they’re of poor quality,” he said.

Fuel strike

The remarks come amid the nationwide transport strike over rising fuel prices.

The strike involves multiple transport subsectors, including matatu operators, boda boda associations, ride-hailing drivers, cargo transporters, tourist vehicle operators, school transport providers, and private motorists.

The Transport Sector Alliance says the industrial action is aimed at protesting recent fuel price hikes, which stakeholders argue have worsened the already high cost of living.

Transport operators maintain that increasing fuel costs have triggered fare hikes, higher commodity prices, and mounting economic pressure on ordinary Kenyans.

Private vehicles have also been warned to keep off the roads in solidarity with the ongoing strike.