The Petroleum Outlets Association of Kenya (PAOK) has criticized the government's VAT reduction on fuel, warning it will not provide lasting relief and could lead to future price hikes.

• PAOK Chairperson Martin Chomba stated the government's efforts are insufficient due to unresolved structural issues in fuel procurement and distribution.
• The association highlighted that only Ksh6.2 billion of the intended Ksh17 billion from the Petroleum Development Levy (PDL) Fund was used to stabilize prices.
• Chomba argued that past policy decisions, which weakened the National Oil Corporation (NOC), are the root cause of Kenya's inability to manage fuel imports and pricing effectively.

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has lowered its growth forecast for Kenya and Sub-Saharan Africa due to rising fuel costs and economic uncertainty triggered by the Middle East conflict.

• Regional growth is now projected to slow to 4.3 per cent in 2026, a decrease from 4.5 per cent in 2025.
• The IMF warns that oil-importing countries like Kenya will face a deteriorating trade balance and a higher cost of living, with inflation expected to climb back up to 5.0 per cent by December 2026.
• The conflict is also impacting Kenya's vital tourism sector and may reduce remittances from Kenyan workers in the Gulf region.

Kenya's Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA) hosted a delegation from Brazil's energy regulator, ANEEL, for a benchmarking visit focused on regulatory cooperation and clean energy transition.

• The visit follows a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed in March between EPRA and ANEEL, known as the Green Energy Partnership.
• EPRA's Acting Director General, Engineer Joseph Oketch, welcomed the Brazilian delegation.
• The meeting occurs amidst ongoing public and parliamentary scrutiny of EPRA and the energy sector regarding fuel pricing and alleged governance lapses, including a Ksh4 billion irregular fuel procurement scandal.

The Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA) is urging greater regional collaboration among African nations to reduce electricity costs and bolster energy security.

• Key Goal: Lower electricity costs and improve energy security through cross-border partnerships.
• Key Player: Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA), represented by Acting Director General Joseph Oketch.
• Context: This call to action was made at the 7th Annual EPRA Research and Innovation Conference 2026 in Nairobi on April 21, 2026, highlighting the need for integrated and resilient energy systems.