UDA Backs Government Measures to Cushion Kenyans from Rising Fuel Costs
By Peace Muthoka
Nairobi, May 19, 2026 – The ruling UDA party has expressed confidence in the government’s efforts to ease the economic burden facing Kenyans amid the continued rise in global fuel prices.
Speaking during a press briefing at the UDA Party headquarters, Hassan Omar Hassan said the government was fully committed to restoring stability and protecting Kenyans from the impact of escalating fuel costs through policy interventions and ongoing consultations.
Sen. Omar said the government was working closely with the ministries of Energy, National Treasury and Transport, alongside other stakeholders, to find practical and lasting solutions to the fuel crisis. He expressed optimism that the ongoing inter-ministerial consultations would help restore normalcy in the country.
At the same time, the UDA Secretary General defended the measures already put in place to cushion citizens from the rising cost of living linked to fuel price increases.
He pointed to the reduction of Value Added Tax (VAT) on fuel from 16 percent to 8 percent as one of the key interventions aimed at lowering the burden on consumers. He added that the government had also strengthened fuel price stabilization mechanisms to shield Kenyans from global market shocks.
According to Sen. Omar, the government has set aside more than Sh16 billion for the Fuel Stabilization Fund in the current financial year, with Sh11 billion already spent to help cushion consumers from the effects of rising prices.
Even as talks continue between government ministries and stakeholders, Sen. Omar appealed to Kenyans to remain calm and approach the matter with sobriety, patriotism and restraint, noting that the fuel crisis had largely been triggered by external geopolitical developments beyond Kenya’s control.
He also warned against attempts to exploit the situation for political mileage.
“Political opportunists must not be allowed to exploit the grave situation for narrow, divisive and short-sighted political gains,” said the UDA Secretary General.
Among those present during the briefing were NEC members, including Aden Duale, Cecilia Wairimu, UDA Executive Director Nicodemus Bore and other party officials.
