State keen to resolve fuel crisis, Wandayi assures Kenyans

Energy Cabinet Secretary Opiyo Wandayi speaking in Wajir town./STEPHEN ASTARIKO

Energy Cabinet Secretary Opiyo Wandayi has assured Kenyans that the government is actively working to resolve the ongoing fuel crisis that has triggered a nationwide matatu strike and paralysed public transport across major towns and cities.

Speaking on Monday in Kisumu village in Wajir town during the launch of the Rural Electrification Rural and Renewable Energy, Wandayi called on Kenyans to remain calm and maintain peace, saying the national government was fully engaged in finding a lasting solution to the crisis.

“I want to assure Kenyans that the National Government under the leadership of President William Ruto is serious about finding a solution to the matter,” Wandayi said.

The CS disclosed that together with his Transport counterpart, Davis Chirchir, they would convene a meeting today with leaders from the matatu sector in a bid to address the standoff.

“We will listen to the leaders from the matatu sector, hear their grievances, then discuss and chart the way forward on this matter. That is the only way that we will be able to tackle this challenge that we are currently facing as a country,” he said.

Wandayi’s remarks came even as thousands of Kenyans were on Monday morning forced to walk to work after a nationwide matatu strike paralysed public transport services.

Operators were protesting the sharp rise in fuel prices announced last week.

The disruption, which began at midnight on Sunday, saw most matatus remain parked in depots and residential areas as transport operators, private motorists and ride-hailing drivers joined what organisers described as “the mother of all strikes” in Kenya’s transport sector history.

During the event, Ahmed Abdullahi defended the government, noting that the rising fuel prices were part of a global crisis driven by geopolitical tensions in the Middle East and international power struggles.

“I know you’ve taken quite some heat of late for the fuel prices. But suffice it to say that this is a global problem. Even in oil-producing countries today, petroleum prices have shifted significantly,” the governor said.

He, however, urged the government to consider additional measures to cushion Kenyans, including the possible temporary suspension of some taxes on petroleum products.

“Even if it means temporarily suspending more taxation on oil products, because this has an effect on everything — industry, transportation, power bills and the cost of living,” he added.

Treasury Cabinet Secretary John Mbadi on Monday disclosed that President William Ruto is expected to chair a high-level meeting on fuel prices upon his return from an official visit to Azerbaijan.

Mbadi said the government was considering fresh measures aimed at cushioning Kenyans from the impact of the rising fuel prices.

“We can only hope that this war will end, but even as we hope, we must make certain decisions. I am sure the government will sit again once the President returns to assess what more can be done,” Mbadi said.

Wajir Governor Ahmed Abdullahi speaking in Wajir town. /STEPHEN ASTARIKO

Wajir East MP Aden Daud speaking in Wajir town. /STEPHEN ASTARIKO

Energy Cabinet Secretary Opiyo Wandayi and Wajir Governor Ahmed Abdullahi./STEPHEN ASTARIKO