Governor James Orengo slams EPRA over fuel price hike

Siaya Governor James Orengo intensifies criticism of EPRA’s fuel pricing model, demanding transparency, accountability, and urgent reforms in Kenya’s petroleum sector.

Ericson Mangoli
April 15, 2026 ·3 min read ·16 views
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Photo credit: X.com/C_NyaKundiH
Kenya’s Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority has announced new pump prices for the April 2026 to May 2026 cycle, ending weeks of speculation among motorists nationwide.

The revision has drawn public attention across the country as fuel costs remain a major concern for households, transport operators, and businesses dependent on logistics and mobility.

Siaya Governor James Orengo has criticised the latest fuel price increases, saying the process lacks clarity and accountability.

He accused the regulator of implementing changes without adequately explaining how the figures were arrived at, arguing that Kenyans deserve full disclosure on the pricing methodology.

Orengo called for the immediate publication of the Cost of Service Study used to justify the new fuel prices, insisting that decisions affecting essential commodities must be open to public scrutiny.

He compared petroleum pricing to electricity tariff reviews, noting that power rates undergo public participation and stakeholder engagement before approval.

According to him, fuel pricing, which directly affects transport and food costs, should be subjected to similar transparency measures to protect consumers from unexplained increases.

Orengo also expressed concern that administrative pricing systems may be exposing consumers to hidden inefficiencies and inflationary pressures driven by unclear calculations.

The governor argued that Kenya should consider moving toward a more competitive petroleum market structure to ensure fair pricing and efficiency.

He further linked public frustration to broader concerns about fuel quality, citing fears among motorists over alleged contaminated fuel in the market.

Orengo said the situation has created anxiety for motorists already struggling with rising costs of living and unpredictable fuel prices.

He added that reforms in the petroleum sector are necessary to restore public trust and ensure accountability in how prices are set.

EPRA has not yet issued a formal response to the latest remarks from the governor.

Under the revised pricing structure, super petrol has increased by Sh28.69 per litre while diesel has gone up by Sh40.30 per litre. The price of kerosene remains unchanged.

The increases are expected to have a ripple effect across the economy, with transport costs likely to rise and push up the prices of essential goods and services.

Economists warn that higher diesel prices may significantly affect logistics and supply chains, while petrol increases could impact private transport and small businesses.

Consumers have already expressed concern over the rising cost of living, with fuel prices seen as a key driver of inflation.

Policy analysts say continued volatility in fuel pricing could undermine economic stability and strain household budgets across the country.

Attention is now focused on energy authorities and policymakers, who are under pressure to clarify pricing formulas and improve transparency in the sector.

Civil society groups have also called for stronger oversight and greater public participation in petroleum pricing decisions.

Motorists continue to bear the immediate impact of higher fuel costs, which affect commuting, production, and distribution networks nationwide.

Observers note that balancing affordability, transparency, and market efficiency remains a key challenge for Kenya’s energy sector going forward.

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Ericson Mangoli

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