The Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA) on Friday, July 14, announced new fuel prices for the next thirty days.
According to EPRA, a litre of petrol will now retail at Ksh.194.68, diesel will cost Ksh.179.67 while kerosene will cost Ksh.169.48.
The review of prices came in the wake of the High Court ruling that suspended the implementation of the Finance Act, 2023.
As such, the court ruling stopped EPRA from doubling Value Added Tax on fuel from 8% to 16%.
However, in their latest review, EPRA announced the increase of fuel prices to Ksh195.53 and Ksh179.67 per litre of super and diesel respectively in Nairobi from July 1.
Omtatah vs EPRA and State
Busia Senator Okiya Omtatah urged EPRA Director General Dan Kiptoo to obey the court order which temporarily suspended the implementation of the Finance Act, 2023.
Moreover, the government in May 2023 proposed several amendments to the Finance Bill 2023.
The petitioner Okiya Omtatah noted that the law is unconstitutional, and its implementation would subject Kenyans to great suffering.
Also Read: Senator Omtatah Calls on EPRA to Obey Court Order
As a result, the High Court suspended the Finance Act 2023 on June 30, just a day after it was set to come into force.
Prof Githu Muigai, appearing for the State, challenged the petition arguing that it risked plunging the country into a financial crisis.
He told the court that granting orders sought by the petitioners would trigger a constitutional crisis.
Nevertheless, the High Court yet again extended the Finance Act 2023 suspension on July 10.
In her ruling, Justice Mugure Thande, said the Finance Act 2023 will proceed to a full trial at the Supreme Court.
“The petitioners have proved that they have a prima facie case there’s merit in granting conservatory orders,” justice Thande ruled.
Also Read: EPRA to Announce Reviewed Fuel Prices
Thande noted that the state failed to provide sufficient reasons to warrant lifting the orders.
As such the High Court certified the matter for an expanded bench calling on Chief Justice Martha Koome to appoint judges to hear and determine the case.
