Kenya’s rising fuel prices took center stage on Political Ringside, where host Kevin Waswa held a direct conversation with Lenox Ndeda on what is really driving the increases.
The discussion quickly narrowed down to a key question, whether the pressure is coming from global events or from decisions made within the country.
For many Kenyans already dealing with a high cost of living, the answer matters because it shapes expectations on whether relief is possible in the near term.
Ndeda argued that global tensions alone cannot explain the situation.
He pointed to shared infrastructure, especially the Port of Mombasa, which serves countries like Uganda, Tanzania, Rwanda, Burundi, and Ethiopia.
Despite using the same entry point for fuel imports, Kenya still records higher pump prices than many of its neighbors. In his view, this difference highlights the role of domestic policies, particularly how fuel is priced and taxed once it enters the country.
The impact of rising fuel prices is felt across nearly every sector. Transport costs increase first, and this quickly spreads to food prices and basic goods. Farmers are among the most affected because they depend on fuel for machinery, irrigation, and transporting produce to markets.
Since agriculture forms a large part of Kenya’s economy, higher costs at this level ripple through to households. Manufacturing businesses also struggle as the cost of moving raw materials and finished goods rises.
Even electricity becomes more expensive in some areas where diesel generators are used during power shortages.
The result is a steady rise in the cost of living that affects both urban and rural communities.
Ndeda also questioned the consistency of government communication over time.
He referenced how leaders, including William Ruto, had previously criticized fuel price hikes when in opposition, yet similar explanations are now being used while in office.
Such shifts in messaging, he noted, can weaken public trust, especially when earlier assurances about stable oil reserves do not match what people experience at the pump.
Taxes remain a central issue in the debate. A significant portion of what Kenyans pay for fuel goes to government levies. While taxation is necessary to fund services, many feel that fuel carries an unusually heavy burden compared to its importance in driving the economy.
The recent adjustment of VAT on fuel was seen by Ndeda as a response to public pressure rather than a well-planned policy move.
He maintained that fuel, being a key input in production and transport, should be treated differently to avoid pushing up the cost of nearly everything else.
The conversation also explored long-term energy strategy. Ndeda raised concerns about focusing too much on exporting crude oil through projects like the East African Crude Oil Pipeline instead of strengthening local refining.
He pointed to existing facilities in Changamwe and argued that refining oil within Kenya could create jobs and retain more value in the economy.
In his view, exporting raw resources without processing them limits the country’s economic potential.
On the political front, he criticized some lawmakers for supporting finance policies without fully considering long-term effects. He mentioned figures like Ndindi Nyoro and Kuria Kimani, suggesting that leadership should focus more on policies that benefit citizens over decades rather than short-term gains.
He encouraged younger leaders to engage more deeply with the public and base decisions on research and long-term planning.
Despite his concerns, Ndeda expressed cautious optimism.
He believes there is still room for improvement if leaders listen more closely to citizens and adjust policies where necessary. He advised against immediate protests if recent tax changes bring some stability, but emphasized the need for continued public scrutiny and accountability.
The fuel issue shows how a single factor can influence an entire economy. From transport to food prices, from small businesses to large industries, the effects are widespread.
Many Kenyans continue to hope for solutions that go beyond temporary relief and address the root causes.
Achieving that will require clear policies, consistent communication, and a focus on long-term economic strength rather than short-term fixes.
