Kindiki defends State measures to cushion Kenyans from high fuel prices

Deputy President Kithure Kindiki speaking while while inspecting the ongoing construction of the Miseleni-Mwala Road in Mwala Constituency, Machakos County on May 20, 2026/ DPCS

Deputy President Kithure Kindiki has defended the government’s handling of rising fuel prices, saying Kenya must balance efforts to cushion consumers with the need to sustain essential public services and keep the economy stable.

Speaking on Wednesday during an inspection tour of the ongoing Miseleni-Mwala Road project in Mwala Constituency, Machakos County, Kindiki said the government was fully aware of the pressure high fuel costs have placed on households and businesses.

He, however, maintained that the State was carefully weighing its options to avoid destabilising the economy while responding to the fuel crisis linked to rising global oil prices and instability in the Middle East.

“We must strike a balance between managing fuel costs and the delivery of other key services that are important for economic stability and development,” Kindiki said.

The Deputy President said the government was already implementing interventions aimed at easing the burden on Kenyans, including reducing Value Added Tax on petroleum products from 16 per cent to 8 per cent.

He added that the government had also released Sh13 billion under fuel stabilisation measures to cushion consumers from steeper increases in pump prices.

“The situation would have been much worse were it not for the measures the government has already put in place,” he said.

His remarks come amid growing public concern following the latest fuel price review, which saw increases in the cost of Super Petrol and diesel driven by rising global crude oil prices, higher freight charges and supply chain disruptions.

Kindiki urged Kenyans to remain patient as the government works on sustainable measures to cushion the economy from further shocks.

At the same time, he cautioned against violent protests and destruction of property during demonstrations over the high cost of living, saying criminal activities would not solve the country’s economic challenges.

“We understand the frustrations of Kenyans, but criminalities witnessed during protests are unacceptable and cannot solve the problem,” he said.

The Deputy President said the government remained focused on stabilising the economy while continuing to invest in development projects across the country despite fiscal pressure linked to global economic challenges.

During the tour, Kindiki inspected the construction of the 10-kilometre Miseleni-Mwala Road, a Sh622 million project aimed at improving transport connectivity in the area.

He said the road forms part of the government’s broader infrastructure programme targeting improved movement of people and goods while opening up rural economies in the Ukambani region.

Kindiki also highlighted the ongoing construction of the 21-kilometre Kivandini-Miseleni Road being implemented at a cost of Sh1.2 billion.

According to the Deputy President, the projects are expected to reduce transport costs and support economic activities once completed.

On water access, Kindiki said the government was accelerating implementation of the Mwala Bulk Water Project after allocating Sh1.7 billion towards the initiative.

He said the project is expected to improve access to clean and reliable water for thousands of residents in Mwala and Matungulu constituencies.

The Deputy President maintained that the government would continue balancing economic relief measures with investments in infrastructure and public services as it navigates global economic uncertainties.