Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua on Sunday reiterated the government’s commitment to find a lasting and sustainable solution to the high cost of living.
Gachagua in a statement said the rise in the prices of fuel is a global challenge and called on Kenyans to exercise patience noting that things will get better with time.
“With deep respect, I would like to plead with the people of Kenya to appreciate that the issue of fuel prices is a worldwide challenge. Things will get better as we move along,” the DP said.
“The Government remains aware of and is sensitive to the challenges Kenyans are facing today; the arrogant statements by a few leaders do not, in any way, reflect the official government position or that of President William Ruto,” he added.
Kenyans have expressed their anger after the government announced sky-high fuel prices on Thursday night.
For the first time in history, the prices of fuel rose by as high as Sh20 per litre with the big jump expected to have far-reaching consequences to households.
In the review, the price of petrol is up by almost Sh17 per litre while that of diesel has increased by about Sh21.32 per litre.
"The maximum allowed petroleum pump prices in Nairobi are as follows: Super Petrol increases by Sh16.96, Diesel increases by Sh21.32 per litre and Kerosene increases by Sh33.13 per litre," Epra announced on Thursday.
"The prices are inclusive of the 16 per cent Value Added Tax in line with the provision of the Finance Act 2023."
The rise comes after the government scrapped fuel subsidies and insisted that it would allow market forces to dictate the costs in the country.
Energy Cabinet Secretary Davis Chirchir on Friday said that Kenyans should brace themselves for tougher times since the government can't avert the situation.
"We are likely to even be going to harder times. These are prices from OPEC and there is nothing much we can do about it," he said.
Chirchir spoke when he appeared before the Energy Committee in Parliament to respond to questions on the rise of prices of fuel in the country.
Already, the Matatu Owners Association have announced that fares will be increased to cover the losses following the spike in Petroleum and Diesel prices.
The association said on Friday that fares will increase between Sh30 and Sh50 during peak and off-peak hours for areas around Nairobi and its metropolis.