The Motorists Association of Kenya (MAK) has warned the Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA) against increasing fuel prices in its April and May 2026 review.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, April 14, MAK said that good governance demands policies that prioritize citizens’ welfare rather than copying exploitative practices from countries that exploit their own people.
“We call on EPRA to ensure that fuel prices are either reduced or, at the very least, maintained at current levels, to reflect global price trends and protect consumers. Any increase would further burden Kenyans and deepen the ongoing economic crisis,” the statement read in part.
“Using fuel price increases as a revenue-generating mechanism is counterproductive. It reduces economic activity, shrinks the tax base, and negatively impacts GDP. Ultimately, it benefits only a tiny fraction of individuals while burdening millions of Kenyans,” MAK said.
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Motorists Warn EPRA Against Fuel Increase
The motorists further alleged that a deeply entrenched cartel within the oil industry continues to influence pricing.
They cited increased distributor margins, enhanced dealer profits, higher taxes, unlawful levies, and failure to adjust prices in line with global trends as evidence of a coordinated system that exploits motorists.
They also pointed to fuel hoarding and adulteration, which they said further demonstrate collusion often protected by compromised enforcement structures.
At the same time, MAK referenced the controversial government-to-government fuel arrangement that replaced the Open Tender System (OTS), alleging that it unlawfully benefits private interests to the tune of approximately Ksh 43 per litre under opaque structures.
The association further argued that ongoing narratives of alleged illegal fuel shipments, diversion claims, and publicized sackings of officials without prosecutions amount to a diversionary tactic that misleads the public while exploitation persists.
They said such actions amount to economic offences against Kenyans.
MAK Calls on Govt to Remove Fuel VAT
MAK also demanded accountability from leaders they accuse of mismanaging the energy sector, saying this has created unnecessary panic and economic hardship.
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The association stated that the government must act as a protector of citizens, not an exploiter, adding that the current cost-of-living crisis, driven by high and unjustified fuel prices, has crippled the economy, forcing many businesses and industries to shut down.
According to MAK, the decision by the current administration to remove fuel subsidies presents an opportunity to restore them in order to cushion Kenyans against the severe consequences of high fuel prices, including rising food costs and increased transport fares.
“Upon assuming office, the government increased VAT on fuel by 8%, removed the fuel subsidy standardization fund & further raised the Road Maintenance Levy Fund by Ksh 7 per litre, an increase we maintain is illegal. Reversing these three measures would significantly lower pump prices,” it noted.
The association added that over the past three years, the government has collected substantial windfall revenues from fuel amid lower global prices, benefits it says have not been passed on to consumers.
