Kenyans react after fuel prices jump past Sh200 mark

Kenyans have expressed their anger after the government announced sky-high fuel prices on Thursday night.

For the first time in history, the prices of fuel rose by as high as Sh20 per litre with the big jump expected to have far-reaching consequences to households.

In the review, the price of petrol is up by almost Sh17 per litre while that of diesel has increased by about Sh21.32 per litre.

"The maximum allowed petroleum pump prices in Nairobi are as follows: Super Petrol increases by Sh16.96, Diesel increases by Sh21.32 per litre and Kerosene increases by Sh33.13 per litre," Epra announced on Thursday.

"The prices are inclusive of the 16 per cent Value Added Tax in line with the provision of the Finance Act 2023."

The rise comes after the government scrapped fuel subsidies and insisted that it would allow market forces to dictate the costs in the country.

However, angry Kenyans took to social media to express their dismay at the sharp rise in fuel prices saying that would pain them more.

Some told Kenyans to enjoy their own medicine after voting for the Kenya Kwanza administration despite warnings.

Government-allied bloggers defended the government saying the latest prices are in line with global scenarios that are witnessing high prices of fuel.

Others called on Opposition leader Raila Odinga to speak up about the latest increase in fuel prices amid fears the hike would trigger high commodity prices.

Blogger Pauline Njoroge regretted that the prices had skyrocketed to an all-time high over the last year.

On social media X, formerly Twitter, user @omwambaKE called on opposition chief Raila Odinga to stop keeping quiet about the fresh pain on Kenyans.