By Joshua Otieno | April 20, 2026
NAIROBI, KENYA — The government has moved to clarify how fuel prices are determined, while addressing global pricing trends, youth empowerment initiatives, and rising concerns over civil unrest and political violence.
The message was delivered through an official press statement by Government Spokesperson Isaac Mwaura, who outlined the key factors shaping fuel costs in Kenya amid increasing public concern over rising prices.
Mwaura explained that Kenya’s fuel pricing structure is influenced by its status as a middle-income economy and the need to sustain a vast and expanding road network. He noted that levies embedded in fuel prices play a critical role in funding infrastructure development, including thousands of kilometers of tarmac roads across the country.
He further highlighted the government’s Government-to-Government fuel import framework, which sources petroleum products directly from major international suppliers. According to the spokesperson, the arrangement has helped stabilize supply, reduce pressure on foreign exchange, and cushion the economy from volatility in global markets.
The statement also placed Kenya’s fuel price increases within a global context, pointing to similar trends in other countries driven by geopolitical tensions, particularly in the Middle East. Mwaura emphasized that such increases are not unique to Kenya and cautioned against politicizing the issue.
“Global fuel price movements are beyond local control, and efforts to use the situation for political mileage undermine constructive solutions,” he stated.
Beyond fuel pricing, the government provided an update on the NYOTA Project, a nationwide youth empowerment program aimed at supporting entrepreneurship. The second phase of mandatory classroom training has officially commenced across hundreds of centers nationwide, following a mentorship phase that saw a majority of beneficiaries successfully establish businesses.
Mwaura said the training is essential for participants to qualify for the next phase of funding and continued mentorship, reaffirming the government’s commitment to equipping young people with practical skills for economic growth.
On security matters, the government issued a firm warning against civil disruption and political violence, condemning the use of criminal gangs to incite chaos during protests and political events.
While reiterating that the Constitution guarantees the right to peaceful assembly, Mwaura warned that individuals found engaging in or financing violence would face legal consequences. He also cautioned against the mobilization of armed groups, stressing that law enforcement agencies will act decisively to maintain public order.
The government called on leaders and citizens alike to uphold democratic values and promote peaceful political engagement, emphasizing the importance of unity and stability during a period marked by economic and political pressures.
The briefing comes at a time of heightened national debate over the cost of living and political tensions, with the government maintaining that its policies are focused on long-term economic stability and safeguarding democratic space.
