CS defends fuel levy, says diesel prices cut by Sh10
Rift Valley
By
George Sayagie
| Jun 16, 2026
Energy CS Opiyo Wandayi with Narok Senator Ledama Olekina during an electricity connection tour in Narok East Constituency, June 15, 2026. [George Sayagie, Standard]
Energy and Petroleum Cabinet Secretary Opiyo Wandayi has defended the government's recent fuel pricing measures, stating that interventions through the Petroleum Development Levy have helped shield Kenyans from rising fuel costs.
During a development tour of Narok East Constituency alongside area MP Lemanken Aramat and Narok Senator Ledama Ole Kina, the CS mentioned that the government had reduced diesel prices by Sh10 per litre while maintaining kerosene prices despite global market pressures.
The tour included the launch of electricity connectivity projects at Dorobo Village in Mosiro Ward and Ilpatimaro Village in Ildamat Ward.
"The prices would definitely be much higher, especially for diesel and kerosene, but because of the intervention by the government through the Petroleum Development Levy, we have been able to reduce the price of diesel by Sh10 per litre while maintaining the price of kerosene," said Wandayi.
The CS expressed hope that the recent ceasefire between the United States and Iran would help stabilise global petroleum markets.
"The government is hopeful that, in the wake of the truce between the United States of America and Iran, the global market for petroleum products will stabilise and normalcy will resume in due course," he said.
"If and when that happens, the benefits will definitely reach Kenyan consumers. The government will remain their guarantor, and we are asking for calm as we navigate these difficult times."
Wandayi called on Kenyans to remain united and support government initiatives, saying the country looked forward to better economic times.
He noted that the government-to-government petroleum supply framework had played a vital role in ensuring a stable fuel supply during challenging periods.
"The framework has helped ensure that the country endures these hard times without much stress, and the government will continue strengthening it," he said.
The CS added that the government was collaborating with the private sector to establish strategic petroleum reserves in the country to improve long-term energy security.
"More critically, there are ongoing discussions and plans to establish a regional refinery along the East African coastline, which will be useful in ensuring a stable supply of petroleum products across the region," he added.
On rural electrification, Wandayi announced that the government had allocated Sh3 billion in the 2026/2027 financial year's budget to connect 22,000 households to electricity across Narok County.
He said Narok East Constituency alone would receive Sh360 million to connect about 1,200 households.
"This is a significant milestone. Although it may not reach all households immediately, President William Ruto intends to ensure that electricity connectivity reaches all villages and communities across Kenya," he said.
Aramat, Vice Chairperson of the Parliamentary Energy Committee, raised concerns over faulty transformers in the area and called for closer coordination by the ministry during electricity installation projects.
He also appealed for the establishment of Kenya Power offices in Narok East to improve service delivery, rather than relying solely on personnel based in Narok Town.
Senator Ole Kina, a member of the Senate Energy Committee, emphasised that development should remain the focus rather than politics.
"There is still time for politics. For now, we should allow President Ruto to implement the manifesto he presented to Kenyans before the 2027 General Election," he said.
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The three leaders took the opportunity during the electrification launch to rally support for President Ruto, citing ongoing projects such as electricity connectivity, road infrastructure development, and plans to build an airport in Narok as evidence of the government's commitment to development.