The Motorists Association of Kenya (MAK) has demanded the dissolution of the Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA), accusing it of enforcing fuel prices influenced by politics and exploiting Kenyans.
In a statement on Monday, MAK said the monthly reviews by the regulator have turned into a “circus” that keeps Kenyans unsettled and gradually conditions them to accept irregular and exploitative price hikes.
“This monthly circus only keeps Kenyans on edge and conditions the public to accept exploitative, unpredictable hikes,” the association said, pointing to the latest review where Super Petrol dropped by Sh0.79, Diesel by Sh0.11, and Kerosene by Sh0.80 per litre.
The group argued that fuel pricing was more accountable under the defunct Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC), which relied on a formula accessible to the public and industry stakeholders.
“Before ERC, fuel prices reflected actual market conditions. They were accountable, explained and accessible to all,” MAK said.
According to the association, the abolition of ERC in 2013 and the creation of EPRA opened the door for politically motivated pricing where directors set figures without proper public oversight.
“Thirteen years of punitive, politically motivated fuel pricing has no basis in economic reality. Fuel prices are now a tool for easy revenue extraction, a tax collector’s paradise, rather than a fair reflection of global oil markets,” the statement read.
MAK also faulted EPRA’s handling of the government-to-government (G-to-G) fuel procurement system, saying it benefits a few suppliers while burdening citizens.
“Fuel is not a luxury; it powers our economy, transport and livelihoods. EPRA has failed to protect the public,” the association said, adding that procurement should revert to open tendering to ensure fairness and allow market forces to operate.
The motorists’ lobby further raised concern that Tanzania’s recent move to raise pump prices by Sh27, while benchmarking on EPRA’s model, risks making regional transport unaffordable and undermining East African Community integration. The association described it as “nothing short of an economic conspiracy against the region’s integration and prosperity.”
MAK insisted that fuel pricing should either return to ERC’s transparent formula or be left to global market trends.
“The government has no business setting fuel prices. Let market forces work, and if the government wants revenue, it must do so transparently,” the association said.
The group linked high pump prices to rising bus fares, slowed economic activity, and an increased cost of living.
“The Kenyan public has endured enough price injustice. It is time to end this 13-year daylight robbery and restore fairness, transparency, and accountability in fuel pricing,” MAK said.
The call comes after EPRA’s latest monthly review on Sunday, September 14, which set Nairobi pump prices at Sh184.52 for Super Petrol, Sh171.47 for Diesel, and Sh154.78 for Kerosene, effective for 30 days.
In Mombasa, prices were fixed at Sh181.21, Sh168.19, and Sh151.49 respectively, while in Nakuru they stood at Sh183.56, Sh170.87, and Sh154.21.
These prices include 16 per cent VAT, as provided under the Finance Act 2023, the Tax Laws (Amendment) Act 2024, and excise duty adjustments under Legal Notice No. 194 of 2020.
In the August review, EPRA lowered Super Petrol and Kerosene by Sh1 per litre, while Diesel remained unchanged.
The July review, however, saw a steep rise of Sh8.99 for petrol, Sh8.67 for diesel, and Sh9.65 for kerosene, driven by a jump in freight charges after attacks in the Strait of Hormuz, a major route for about 20 per cent of global oil and LNG shipments.
