Deputy President Kithure Kindiki has defended the recent increase in fuel prices, assuring Kenyans that the government is implementing measures to cushion households and businesses from the rising cost of living.
Speaking on Friday during an inspection tour of development projects in South Imenti Constituency, Meru County, Prof Kindiki attributed the fuel price increase to disruptions in global oil supply caused by tensions in the Persian Gulf.
He said the Kenya Kwanza administration had already introduced interventions aimed at stabilising fuel prices and easing the burden on consumers.
“The cost of fuel, insurance and shipping has increased sharply because of the war in Iran. We are implementing every necessary action to stabilise prices and ensure Kenyans do not suffer,” said Prof Kindiki.
The Deputy President noted that Kenya had reduced Value Added Tax (VAT) on fuel from 16 per cent to eight per cent and released Sh5 billion for fuel subsidies as part of efforts to shield wananchi from the effects of the global crisis.
He said the rise in international oil prices had affected many countries but maintained that the government remained committed to protecting Kenyans from the ripple effects.
“We are looking at other options to cushion Kenyans from the higher cost of fuel. We do not want wananchi to suffer from high transport fares and the rising cost of living,” he added.
Prof Kindiki urged Kenyans to remain patient as the government works on additional measures to ease economic pressure on households and businesses.
The Deputy President spoke after inspecting the ongoing construction of the Nkubu–Rubiri–Kamurita road, which is nearing completion, and the Rubiri Last Mile Electricity Connectivity Project.
He assured residents that all ongoing projects in Meru County would be completed on schedule, adding that the government remained focused on improving livelihoods through infrastructure development.
“Meru County is among the major beneficiaries of the national road construction programme after the government allocated more than Sh39 billion for stalled and new road projects across various constituencies,” he said.
Prof Kindiki further disclosed that Sh3.7 billion had been earmarked for the upgrading of 17 kilometres of link roads within Meru town as part of plans to elevate the municipality to city status.
The second in command also said the government had released Sh1.3 billion under the Last Mile Electricity Connectivity Programme to connect at least 16,000 households to electricity in the county.
“We are fully focused on transforming the lives of the people of Meru. All these projects will be completed within the stipulated timelines,” he said.
The Deputy President added that one of the flagship projects underway in the county was the upgrading of Meru Referral Hospital to a Level Six facility to improve specialised healthcare services in the region.
At the same time, Prof Kindiki challenged political opponents to prepare for what he termed as an issue-based political contest ahead of the next General Election.
He said the Kenya Kwanza administration would campaign on its development record and projects delivered during its term in office.
“When we return next year to seek your support, we will present what we have done for the people over the last five years. Our opponents must also tell Kenyans what they achieved when they were in power,” he said.
The Deputy President was accompanied by Meru Governor Mutuma M’Ethingia, Meru Senator Kathuri Murungi, South Imenti MP Shadrack Mwiti, Imenti Central MP Moses Kirima, Members of the County Assembly and other local leaders.
