A human rights group has petitioned the High Court seeking to have the government compelled to stabilize and reduce high fuel prices which is currently retailing at Sh217 at the pump.
In its court papers, Kituo cha Sheria is blaming the government for failing to cushion Kenyans from high fuel prices.
The group argues that the current pump price has resulted in a very high and unaffordable cost of basic commodities including all household goods such as unga, the staple diet of a majority of Kenyans among others.
“That notwithstanding, on October 6, 2023, Energy Cabinet Secretary Davis Chirchir while submitting a report before the National Dialogue Committee indicated that there would be a looming increase in fuel prices in the coming months to a retail price of Sh300. If not controlled, Kenyans stand to suffer irreparable loss,” says Kituo Cha Sheria in its court papers.
The group has asked the courts to intervene and issue an order against a review of petroleum prices by the Energy and Petrol Regulatory Authority.
According to court documents, Kituo said the fuel prices in Kenya have recently reached historic highs, causing concern and economic strain for both citizens and businesses with the recent announcement seeing petrol prices surpassing Sh200 ($1.36) per litre for the first time.
Kituo Cha Sheria blames the government for failing to effectively discharge its legal obligation to stabilize and reduce high fuel prices which are already retailing at Sh217.
Kituo says the public will be greatly inconvenienced if the government is not ordered to urgently perform its legal obligations to protect citizens from further suffering, slow economic growth, declining living standards and high inflation.
Energy CS, Energy and Petrol Regulatory Authority and the Attorney General have been named as respondents in the case.
