“We have the white smoke and thank the transport sector leadership for the successful conclusion of talks since last night,” says CS Wandayi.
NAIROBI, 19th May – The nationwide transporters’ strike over the recent fuel price increase has been suspended for the next seven days to allow for dialogue between the government and the relevant stakeholders.
This followed an urgent meeting between government officials and stakeholders in the public transport sector.
During a media briefing at Harambee House on Tuesday, 19th May, Cabinet Secretary for Interior Security and National Administration (CS) Kipchumba Murkomen stated that the concerns over fuel prices, which had initially led to protests, have been acknowledged.
“The government, led by the National Treasury and the Ministry of Energy and Transport, is taking steps to engage with transport stakeholders to explore solutions to the price hikes,” the statement partially read.
He, however, condemned the protests that resulted in four deaths, injuries to 30 people, and the arrest of about 348 individuals on Monday, 18th May.
CS Murkomen also expressed concern over certain elements within the political class who are making inflammatory statements to incite intolerance and are mobilising gangs to spread terror and destroy government projects.
“Destroying businesses and public property, as seen in the burning of the UDA office in Wote and the torching of two trucks during the Rironi-Mau Summit event, will not resolve any issues,” he stated, condemning looting and vandalism during the demonstrations.
He further urged Kenyans to utilise constitutional and peaceful methods to voice grievances instead of resorting to violence.
He appreciated those who maintained peace and conducted their affairs calmly during this period.
In a prompt response to the fuel crisis on Monday night, the Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA) revised the prices following pressure from transport operators and motorists concerned about the high cost of living.
The price of diesel was reduced by Sh10.06 per litre, kerosene by Sh38.60 per litre, while petrol remains at Sh214 per litre.
“The reduction of diesel price is aimed at easing pressure on transport operators and consumers,” a statement explained.
These adjustments followed a consultative meeting between government officials and public transport stakeholders after a nationwide strike over rising fuel prices.
The nationwide unrest initially erupted when EPRA announced new pump prices, increasing super petrol from Sh197.6 to Sh214.25, diesel from Sh196.3 to Sh242.92, with kerosene remaining at Sh152.78.
Energy and Petroleum CS Opiyo Wandayi remarked that the government is deeply concerned about the global surge in petroleum prices.
“We have the white smoke and thank the transport sector leadership for the successful conclusion of talks since last night,” he said.
Addressing concerns about subsidies during the briefing, he explained that in the past two months, the government has allocated Sh13.9 billion to manage petroleum costs.
CS Wandayi reaffirmed that Kenya remains a net importer of petroleum products.
He clarified that last night’s Sh10 per litre reduction in diesel prices cost Sh2.7 billion, demonstrating that President William Ruto’s government continues to be attentive to the needs of the ordinary mwanainchi.
