People’s Renaissance Movement Faults Government Over Fuel Prices, Proposes Urgent Relief Measures

 By Gedion Nzyoki - 

• The People’s Renaissance Movement has blamed the government for rising fuel prices, citing policy failures and high taxation
• It says the crisis is driving up transport and living costs, hurting households and small businesses
• The movement has proposed tax cuts, subsidies, and stronger fuel sector reforms to ease the pressure

NAIROBI, Kenya |April 23, 2026— The People’s Renaissance Movement (PM) has sharply criticized the government over the ongoing fuel crisis, terming it a “deliberate failure” that has plunged millions of Kenyans into economic distress.

The People’s Renaissance Movement Interim NEC Chair, Njenga Waragu, accompanied by other party officials during a press briefing at the party headquarters. (Photo: Courtesy)

Speaking on Thursday afternoon at the party headquarters, Party Interim NEC Chair Njenga Waragu accused authorities of policy missteps, negligence, and misplaced priorities, arguing that rising fuel prices are not accidental but a direct result of poor governance.

“The People’s Renaissance Movement condemns in the strongest terms the ongoing fuel price increases that have plunged millions of Kenyans into economic distress. This is not accidental. It is the predictable outcome of government negligence, policy failure, and misplaced priorities. Fuel price and supply instability continue to drive up the cost of living, with ordinary Kenyans bearing the full brunt of this crisis,” Waragu said.

According to the movement, persistent increases in fuel prices and instability in supply have significantly driven up the cost of living nationwide. Transport costs have surged by between 20 and 50 percent, while food prices have risen by 10 to 15 percent, placing a heavy burden on ordinary citizens.

Officials of the People’s Renaissance Movement address members of the press at the party headquarters on Thursday afternoon, 23rd. (Photo: Courtesy)

The group further warned that small businesses—which account for more than 80 percent of employment in Kenya—are being pushed to the brink of collapse as rising operational costs continue to strain their survival.

“Where the government has failed: taxes account for approximately 40 to 50 percent of the pump price, among the highest in the region. There is no functional strategic fuel reserve to stabilize supply shocks. There is a lack of transparency in fuel procurement, which enables inefficiencies and cartel influence. There is weak currency management, which increases the cost of fuel imports. This is not governance—it is abandonment,” Waragu added.

The movement alleged that the government has failed in several key areas of fuel sector management. It pointed to high taxation levels, stating that various levies account for approximately 40 to 50 percent of the fuel pump price. It also cited the absence of a functional strategic fuel reserve capable of cushioning the country against supply shocks.

In addition, the movement raised concerns over limited transparency in fuel procurement processes, arguing that this has created room for inefficiencies and cartel influence. It further criticized weak regulatory oversight, saying it has allowed market distortions. 

Finally, it blamed poor currency management for increasing the cost of fuel imports, thereby worsening pressure on domestic fuel prices.

To address the crisis, the People’s Renaissance Movement proposed a set of immediate interventions it believes would deliver relief within weeks.

The group is calling for tax relief through the suspension of the 8 percent VAT on fuel and a reduction in excise duty by at least 50 percent. It argues that this measure could lower pump prices by between KSh 20 and 30 per litre.

It also proposes the introduction of a public transport subsidy through a KSh 15–20 billion stabilization fund to support matatu and bus operators. According to the movement, this would help reduce fares by 15 to 25 percent, with the expectation that the savings would be passed directly to commuters.

In addition, the movement recommends the establishment and maintenance of a strategic fuel reserve capable of covering 60 to 90 days of national consumption, or approximately two to three months. It says this would help prevent shortages and curb sudden price spikes.

Finally, it is calling for greater transparency and stronger anti-cartel measures, including the publication of all fuel import contracts and pricing structures, as well as an independent audit of the fuel supply chain within 30 days.

Beyond its policy proposals, the movement called on Kenyans to demand accountability and actively push for broader systemic change. It emphasized the need for economic reforms, reiterating that “economic liberation is non-negotiable.”

When asked whether they were ready to join opposition leaders who have already declared plans to protest until the fuel crisis and issues of over-taxation are addressed, the movement said democracy is its guiding ideology. It added that, as concerned citizens, they would consider joining efforts to express public frustration.

The movement’s position and proposals come amid growing public debate over rising fuel costs and their wider impact on Kenya’s economy, with increasing pressure on policymakers to provide sustainable solutions.