🇰🇪KenyaEast Africa
President William Ruto defends Kenya's high fuel prices, citing infrastructure and economic status
via Tuko2 min read
President William Ruto has defended Kenya's high fuel prices, addressing public concerns over recent increases. Speaking at a church service in Karen, the president stated that the fuel costs reflect Kenya's status as a low- and middle-income country, distinguishing it from neighboring "least developed countries." Ruto attributed the higher prices to road maintenance levies, explaining that a significant portion of the cost funds road upkeep. He highlighted Kenya's extensive network of over 20,000 kilometers of tarmac roads, which he noted surpasses the combined networks of other East African countries like Uganda and Tanzania. The president clarified that fuel taxes are specifically allocated to transport infrastructure, aiming to boost the economy through improved connectivity, trade, and mobility. This defense comes after the Energy Petroleum Regulatory Authority EPRA released new fuel prices on April 14, showing Kenya with higher fuel costs compared to Tanzania, Uganda, and Rwanda. Kiharu MP Ndindi Nyoro criticized the price hikes, proposing measures such as removing a KSh 7 fuel levy and reducing VAT by 5% to lower prices by an estimated KSh 27.
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The County Government of Kakamega has initiated a KSh 16.8 million solar power project aimed at significantly reducing electricity costs at its headquarters by over 90%. The project, funded through the Financing Locally-Led Climate Action programme and awarded to Bullfinch Holdings Limited, involves installing 80 solar panels and is expected to be completed within six months. Mariam Nyongesa Were, the Chief Officer for Climate Change, Water and Sanitation, stated that the project will also ensure a reliable power supply for critical weather data servers, enhance security with solar-powered streetlights, and provide clean energy for county infrastructure. The second phase of the project will extend solar energy to health facilities across the county, with Kakamega County General Hospital and Matete Level IV Hospital being the first beneficiaries, ensuring continuous operations despite power outages. Additionally, the solarization of weather stations in Likuyani, Matungu, and Malava will provide farmers with real-time climate data to aid in their planning.
Must ReadAn eight-year-old school play titled 'It Is Well,' written by former Kakamega senator Cleophas Malala, has gained attention due to its striking similarities to the recent Utumishi Girls Academy fire. The play, which was performed by Butere Girls High School in 2018, depicted a girls' school sponsored by security forces, a deadly dormitory fire, and students trapped by grilled windows. The Utumishi Girls Academy, where 16 learners died, is sponsored by the National Police Service and primarily admits children of police officers. Malala stated that the play was inspired by social divisions observed in society and aimed to use theatre to warn communities about potential dangers. He explained that 'It Is Well' explored the relationship between civilians and security forces, with a central scene showing a fire engulfing a girls' school, trapping students in a dormitory with grilled windows. Malala, who has written 83 plays, said his creative process often focuses on anticipating future challenges and that he intentionally chose a school associated with disciplined forces to highlight societal conflicts. He also noted that the play addressed issues like social segregation and the dangers of grilled windows in dormitories, as well as the failure of authorities to intervene in conflicts despite being aware of them. Malala expressed regret that the play's prophetic insights were not appreciated as content that could bring about societal change and criticized the censorship of school p
Kenya is experiencing a wave of unrest in schools, with numerous institutions affected by fires, strikes, and vandalism, raising concerns about student safety. The incidents follow a tragic fire at Utumishi Girls Academy that killed 16 students. Education Principal Secretary Julius Bitok announced nationwide inspections to identify causes, attributing some incidents to examination pressure and poor communication. However, National Parents Association chairman Silas Obuhatsa described the situation as a national crisis, advocating for greater parental involvement. Meanwhile, fresh divisions are emerging within Kenya's opposition alliance regarding the selection of a presidential candidate for the 2027 General Election. People’s Liberation Party leader Martha Karua is advocating for a data-driven process, insisting that Kenyans, not political negotiations, should determine the best candidate to challenge President William Ruto. This stance puts her at odds with allies of Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka and former deputy president Rigathi Gachagua, who have traditionally favored consensus-building. The High Court's upcoming judgment on Gachagua's impeachment is also a critical factor, with analysts suggesting it could significantly impact the political landscape. In other news, a Nakuru family finally buried their loved one after a five-year wait, following a High Court order for the release of a man's body held in a mortuary over unpaid medical bills. Justice Julius Nang'ea ruled
Must ReadHealth Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale has stated that the government will not seek public participation before establishing Ebola treatment and quarantine facilities across Kenya. This announcement came during his appearance before the National Assembly, chaired by Speaker Moses Wetang'ula, where he briefed lawmakers on the country's preparedness for potential Ebola outbreaks. Duale's stance was met with questions from Members of Parliament, particularly concerning a proposed US-linked Ebola treatment center at Nanyuki Air Base in Laikipia county. Kiharu MP Ndindi Nyoro and Laikipia North MP Sarah Korere voiced strong opposition, questioning the necessity of such a facility in Kenya given the US's advanced healthcare capabilities and its own policy on not allowing Ebola-exposed Americans into the country. Duale defended the government's decision, citing the Public Health Act, which he claims does not require public consultation in such circumstances. He emphasized the government's constitutional and moral duty to protect lives and ensure national health security before an outbreak occurs. Duale also clarified that the proposed Laikipia facility is one of 23 centers planned nationwide, all based on scientific evidence and expert recommendations, and assured that Kenyans would receive priority access to treatment at these facilities.