Govt Breaks Silence on Possible Electricity Price Hike After Surge in Fuel Costs

The government has assured Kenyans that electricity prices will remain stable despite a sharp increase in EPRA’s latest fuel prices.

Speaking before the Public Accounts Committee on Wednesday, April 15, 2026, where he appeared to respond to a forensic audit report on wayleave compensation in seven donor-funded energy projects, Principal Secretary for the State Department for Energy Alex Wachira said the rise in petroleum prices is unlikely to significantly affect electricity costs, noting that diesel accounts for only a small share of power generation in the country.

His remarks came a day after new fuel prices took effect, with diesel rising by a record Ksh 40 per litre and petrol by Ksh 28 per litre.

However, the government later reversed its decision and reduced the prices, with petrol dropping by Ksh 9 and diesel by Ksh 10. The revised prices will remain in force until May 14, 2026, when the next review is due.

During the session, Members of Parliament raised concerns that the sharp increase in fuel prices would worsen the cost of living for many Kenyans and potentially trigger higher electricity tariffs.

Also Read: EPRA Reduces Fuel Prices by Ksh 10 After Uproar

Session Chairperson Lugari MP Nabii Nabwera led the committee in questioning the government’s earlier assurances that fuel prices would remain stable.

“Kenyans are enraged. The Ministry of Energy assured the country that there would be no change in fuel prices and no crisis, only for the same prices to rise by a record margin. What is the issue?” he asked.

Aldai MP Marianne Kitany also questioned the effectiveness of the government-to-government (G2G) oil import deal, which was introduced to stabilise fuel supply and shield consumers from price shocks.

“The G2G deal was meant to protect Kenyans from such shocks. When prices rise, the system should absorb them. So what has happened in this scenario?” she asked.

Also Read: EPRA Reduces Fuel Prices by Ksh 10 After Uproar

Energy PS Says Electricity Prices to Remain Stable Despite Fuel Hike

Kitany further sought clarification on measures being taken to cushion Kenyans from the rising cost of electricity, transport, and basic goods.

In response, Wachira maintained that electricity prices are unlikely to rise significantly, explaining that most of Kenya’s power is generated from hydro, geothermal, wind, and solar sources.

Also Read: EPRA Raises Fuel Prices: Petrol Up Ksh 28, Diesel Ksh 40 for April–May Cycle

“We generate power through hydropower, geothermal, wind, solar, and diesel. Diesel generators are mainly used in off-grid areas,” he said.

“As a ministry, we will do our best to ensure that power prices remain as stable as possible. We are increasing generation from hydropower and have also increased power imports from Ethiopia and Uganda,” he added.

He, however, noted that any potential adjustments in electricity prices would be minimal.

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Energy PS Alex Wachira appearing before the National Assembly Public Accounts Committee to respond to a forensic audit report on wayleave compensation in seven donor-funded energy projects on Tuesday, April 15, 2026, at Parliament Buildings. PHOTO/Parliament.