Mbadi Says Govt to Review Options to Protect Kenyans From Soaring Fuel Prices

Treasury Cabinet Secretary (CS) John Mbadi has said the government will review more options to cushion Kenyans from rising fuel prices following the nationwide matatu strike that disrupted transport services on Monday, May 18, 2026 morning.

Speaking during NTV’s Fixing the Nation show on May 18, Mbadi defended the government’s recent decisions on fuel pricing but admitted that many Kenyans are struggling with the high cost of transport and living.

“We can only hope that this war will end, but as we hope and it is not ending, we take some decisions,” Mbadi said.

He added that the government would hold more discussions once President William Ruto returns to the country.

“I am sure as a government we’ll sit again when the president comes back and look at what else we can do,” he stated.

Mbadi Defends Government Fuel Measures

Mbadi said the government had already introduced several measures to reduce the burden on Kenyans, including lowering VAT on fuel to 8 % and using the Petroleum Development Levy to stabilize pump prices.

“That is why we have reduced VAT to 8 %. That is why we are applying the Petroleum Development Levy to cushion the prices,” he said.

According to the CS, fuel prices in Kenya would have been much higher without the government’s intervention.

However, he insisted that the country must balance public concerns with economic realities.

“But again, I am not saying nothing can be done. You have to balance off,” Mbadi explained.

Also Read:Chaos Looms as 14 Matatu Saccos Vow to Strike on Monday

CS Says Strike Hurting Economy Further

The Treasury CS criticized the matatu strike, saying it was worsening the situation by slowing down economic activities across the country.

“It was not necessary to call the strike,” Mbadi said during the interview.

He argued that the transport sector had not fully engaged the government before deciding to stop operations.

“Have they approached the government? Have they spoken with us and we have explained to them?” he posed.

The nationwide strike forced thousands of Kenyans to walk to work, school, and hospitals after many public service vehicles stayed off the roads.

Mbadi admitted that the situation had affected ordinary citizens.

“Yes, I know Kenyans are suffering. I am not happy to see Kenyans walking,” he said.

Kenya Fuel Prices Compared With Tanzania and Uganda Amid Rising Global Costs

The CS also dismissed claims that Kenya’s fuel prices are significantly higher than those in neighbouring countries.

He said fuel costs in Tanzania and Uganda had also increased sharply following global oil market disruptions.

“The price of petroleum products has increased everywhere in the world,” Mbadi said.

He explained that before Tanzania’s latest adjustment, diesel prices there were higher than in Kenya when converted to Kenyan shillings.

Mbadi further noted that Kenya adjusts fuel prices faster because the country consumes larger fuel volumes compared to its neighbours.

“Kenya is a big economy. We consume double Uganda’s supply of petroleum products,” he said.

Also Read;Matatu Strike Disrupts Nairobi: Schools Closed, Commuters Stranded as Kenyans Walk to Work

Government Promises More Discussions

Even as he defended the government’s position, Mbadi acknowledged the pain many Kenyans are going through due to the rising cost of fuel and transport.

“It’s people’s lives that are being disrupted,” he said.

The CS called for calm and urged leaders and transport operators to engage the government through dialogue instead of industrial action.

“So it is a catch-22 situation that we must debate and discuss soberly,” Mbadi stated.

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