Kenya's government, through the Minister for Energy Opiyo Wandayi, is defending its measures to control fuel prices amidst global market volatility caused by the Middle East conflict.

• The government is justifying its interventions in the face of unstable international oil prices.
• Key player: Minister for Energy Opiyo Wandayi.
• The article highlights the government's stance on managing domestic fuel costs due to external pressures.

Kenya Kwanza leaders, led by Deputy President Kithure Kindiki, have asserted that the government is managing oil prices, while also defending the unity within the UDA party and its alliance with ODM.

• Kenya Kwanza politicians claim the government is actively controlling fuel prices.
• The group, led by Deputy President Kithure Kindiki, criticized opposition leaders including Rigathi Gachagua.
• They urged the opposition to stop associating President William Ruto with rising fuel costs.

Energy Cabinet Secretary Opiyo Wandayi stated that government measures, including a VAT cut and fuel subsidy, prevented pump prices from exceeding Ksh215 per litre.

• Without intervention, fuel prices could have reached Ksh217 for petrol, Ksh236 for diesel, and Ksh261 for kerosene.
• The Kenyan government reduced VAT on petroleum products from 16% to 8% and implemented a Ksh6.2 billion fuel subsidy.
• These actions were a response to a 42% surge in petrol, 69% in diesel, and 105% in kerosene prices within one month due to global market volatility.

Kenyans facing high living costs have received some relief as Naivas supermarket chain has launched a new campaign aimed at reducing prices on daily essentials.

• The campaign directly addresses the rising cost of living impacting households.
• Key organization involved: Naivas, a prominent Kenyan supermarket chain.
• Notable detail: The initiative focuses on cutting prices of everyday essential products.

Kenya's Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has threatened to lead major protests if the government does not address the rising cost of fuel.

• The Deputy President stated that if the price of fuel is not reduced, he will rally citizens for nationwide demonstrations.
• This call comes amidst widespread concern over the escalating fuel prices in Kenya.
• Rigathi Gachagua is a key figure in the current Kenyan administration.

President William Ruto reportedly finds himself in a difficult situation following strong statements made against Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua.

• The core issue revolves around sharp criticism directed at the Deputy President.
• The key figures involved are President William Ruto and Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua.
• Notable details suggest the statements have created political pressure for the President.

President William Ruto has explained Kenya's higher fuel prices compared to neighbouring countries, attributing them to significant infrastructure investments.

• Kenya, a middle-income nation, invests heavily in maintaining and constructing roads, unlike less developed neighbours like Uganda and Tanzania.
• The Head of State pointed to the maintenance of over 20,000 kilometres of tarmac roads and plans for an additional 28,000 kilometres in seven years.
• This explanation follows a recent increase in fuel prices, with petrol currently retailing at Ksh 197.60 per litre and diesel at Ksh 196.63 per litre in Kenya.

President William Ruto has explained that Kenya's higher fuel costs are due to its status as a middle-income economy and significant infrastructure investments.

• Kenya, a middle-income country, cannot be directly compared to its regional neighbors, which are classified as least developed countries.
• Fuel levies in Kenya contribute to maintaining over 20,000 kilometers of tarmac roads and constructing an additional 6,000 kilometers.
• The President emphasized that increased development and higher standards come with associated costs, urging citizens to view these as long-term investments and reject mediocrity.