This archive report was first published on 17 September 2021.
On September 16, 2021, Central Organization of Trade Unions (Cotu) Secretary-General Francis Atwoli expressed opposition to the recent fuel price hike, calling on President Uhuru Kenyatta to explain the move by the Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA).
Atwoli stated, 'We would like Uhuru to comment and make a statement on this unfair perpetual increase in fuel prices. Unless their policies place Kenyan workers at the center then they should prepare for unrest from all quarters.'
Former Prime Minister Raila Odinga also weighed in on the issue, tweeting, 'Kenyans who have been struggling to put food on the table since the onset of the pandemic now stand to have their collective plight worsened by the increased fuel prices.'
EPRA had announced new fuel prices on September 14, 2021, with super petrol, diesel, and kerosene increasing by Ksh7.58, Ksh7.94, and Ksh12.97 per litre, respectively. The rise was attributed to increased taxes, including a VAT increase to 9.98% on petrol from 8%.
