This archive report was first published on 8 October 2021.
Energy Cabinet Secretary Monica Juma has landed in a court battle just 10 days into her new role at the Ministry of Energy. The case, filed by the Kenya Human Rights Commission (KHRC), is centered around the recent rise in fuel prices.
According to the KHRC, the sharp increase in fuel prices can be attributed to a policy shift where the State abruptly suspended a fuel subsidy designed to cushion customers from higher fuel prices. The rise in fuel costs is expected to hurt Kenyans as the cost of living surges, with the prices of other commodities rising as a result of higher petrol cost.
“The sharp rise in fuel can be attributed to a policy shift where the State abruptly suspended a fuel subsidy designed to cushion customers from higher fuel prices. The rise in fuel costs is expected to hurt Kenyans as the cost of living surges, with the prices of other commodities rising as a result of higher petrol cost,” argues KHRC lawyer John Khaminwa.
Energy Cabinet Secretary Monica Juma has inherited the mess left behind by her predecessor, CS Charles Keter, who was moved to the Ministry of Devolution. The case also involves Treasury Cabinet Secretary Ukur Yattani, the Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (Epra), Attorney General Kihara Kariuki, and the taxman.
Earlier this week, Petroleum and Mining CS John Munyes ruled out any possibilities of reducing fuel prices, citing external factors beyond the ministry’s control. Munyes told Kenyans to brace for hard times ahead.
“The cargos will close on the 10th of October and therefore it is at that time we will know whether they are going up or down. So it is nor rocket science. It is not something I can say I will do because it is a formula that determines the price,” said Munyes.
