Narok Senator Ledama Ole Kina has urged opposition leaders to stop politicising discussions around fuel prices, saying the debate should focus on infrastructure financing realities.
His remarks come amid renewed public concern over the cost of fuel and the role of taxation in shaping pump prices in Kenya, where rising living costs have intensified scrutiny of government policy.
Ole Kina said fuel pricing is directly tied to road development funding, cautioning that reducing levies without identifying alternative revenue sources would slow infrastructure expansion.
“I know it hurts a lot, but the truth is fuel is not free money. Cheaper fuel means less levy revenue for roads,” he said.
Kenya has 164,967 kilometres of roads, with 24,868 kilometres or 15.1% paved. Uganda has about 146,000 kilometres with 4.4% paved, while Tanzania has roughly 181,000 kilometres with 8% paved.
Ole Kina said Kenya relies on fuel and road levies to fund expansion and maintenance of its transport network, adding that lower fuel prices would reduce available funding unless the gap is filled through other means.
“The choice is simple lower taxes and cheaper fuel with slower road development or higher levies and stronger road expansion. The opposition should stop turning every fuel conversation into cheap politics and blaming Ruto for everything,” he said.
Ruto defends fuel pricing model
President William Ruto has defended the country fuel pricing structure, linking it to Kenya economic classification and development priorities.
Speaking during a church service at the African Gospel Church in Karen, Nairobi, Ruto said Kenya status as a middle income economy places different financial demands on infrastructure compared to neighbouring countries.
“Kenya is a middle income country. Our neighbours are the least developed countries. There is a big difference. If you want to compare Kenya fairly with others compare Kenya with other middle income countries,” he said.
The President said fuel levies play a critical role in maintaining and expanding the road network, noting that Kenya currently maintains more than 20,000 kilometres of tarmac roads and is constructing an additional 6,000 kilometres.
“The 20,000 kilometres of tarmac to maintain here in Kenya is actually the same for several East African countries combined,” he said.
The debate comes days after Ruto signed the VAT Amendment Act 2026 into law on 17 April 2026, temporarily reducing Value Added Tax on fuel from 16% to 8% for 90 days.
Government officials say the measure is intended to ease pressure on consumers and stabilise prices amid volatility in global oil markets.
The temporary tax cut is expected to provide short term relief to motorists, transport operators and businesses that depend on petroleum products while allowing policymakers time to assess global trends and consider longer term interventions.
Analysts warn that any sustained reduction in fuel taxes without alternative funding mechanisms could affect road maintenance and expansion, potentially slowing Kenya infrastructure growth.
As the debate continues, leaders face pressure to balance immediate cost of living concerns with long term development goals.
