Kenya is once again facing rising fuel prices, a situation that continues to affect many households and businesses across the country. During a recent discussion on the Political Ringside show, Engineer Lenox Ndeda joined host Kevin Waswa to break down the real reasons behind the increase and what it means for ordinary citizens.
Their conversation offered a closer look at both global and local factors shaping the cost of fuel.
Fuel prices play a major role in everyday life in Kenya. When the cost of petrol and diesel goes up, transport becomes more expensive almost immediately. This increase is felt by farmers who need to move produce to markets, as well as traders and manufacturers who depend on transport to run their operations. Since agriculture is a key part of the economy, higher transport costs often lead to higher food prices. In addition, some electricity generation relies on fuel-powered systems, meaning that higher fuel costs can also raise the price of electricity tokens used in homes.
Engineer Ndeda pointed out that Kenya often ends up paying more for fuel compared to neighboring countries like Rwanda, Uganda, and Tanzania, even though many of them rely on the same import route through the Port of Mombasa.
This raises concerns about whether the issue is only about global market changes or if local decisions are also playing a big role. According to him, the difference in pricing suggests that internal policies may need closer review.
The discussion also looked at common explanations for rising fuel prices. Leaders sometimes point to global tensions, such as those involving the United States and Iran, which can affect oil supply and prices worldwide.
While these factors are real, Ndeda argued that they should not always be used as the main explanation. He noted that there have been past assurances about stable oil reserves, yet prices still went up shortly after.
Taxes form a large part of what consumers pay at the pump. The government collects revenue through various charges, including value-added tax. There was mention of a recent attempt to raise VAT, which was later reduced after public concern. Ndeda emphasized the need for stable and predictable policies instead of sudden changes that can disrupt planning for both businesses and families. He suggested that energy planning should focus on long-term goals, looking decades ahead.
Politics also plays a role in how these issues are handled. Leaders such as Ndindi Nyoro and Kuria Kimani were mentioned as examples of figures whose views on taxes and spending have attracted attention. Ndeda stressed that leadership should be consistent and focused on the needs of citizens. He encouraged young people to rely on facts and careful thinking when making political choices.
Public frustration has been growing, with some Kenyans planning protests to express their concerns about the rising cost of living.
In response, the government adjusted some taxes, which helped ease tension for a time. Ndeda noted that while public pressure is important, long-term change depends on informed voting and holding leaders accountable over time.
The discussion made it clear that while global factors do influence fuel prices, Kenya still has room to manage its internal systems better. Better planning, fair taxation, and clear communication could help reduce the burden on citizens. Fuel prices affect transport, food, electricity, and jobs, making them a central issue in daily life. Addressing them carefully is key to building a more stable and affordable future for many Kenyans.
