BY DUNCAN MUTHOMI
President William Ruto has unveiled a series of measures aimed at lowering fuel costs, promoting clean energy, and transforming Kenya’s transport and energy sectors, while maintaining that the country is not facing a fuel shortage.
Speaking at State House Mombasa, the president urged Kenyans to increasingly embrace alternative energy sources as part of the government’s broader plan to reduce dependence on fossil fuels and strengthen long-term energy security.
According to the President, the transition is intended to shield households and businesses from the effects of fluctuating global fuel prices that have continued to increase the cost of living.
His remarks come at a time when fuel prices remain a sensitive issue among Kenyans, with the government attempting to balance short-term interventions and long-term clean energy strategies.
As part of the transition agenda, Dr. William Ruto announced that the government will introduce around 3,000 electric vehicles for use by security and administrative officers. The move is expected to drive adoption of electric mobility within the public sector while helping lower fuel expenditure and reduce carbon emissions.
The President further announced that the first 100,000 electric vehicles imported into the country will be exempt from import duty. The incentive is aimed at reducing the cost of acquiring electric vehicles, attracting investment in the sector, and encouraging wider adoption among consumers.
In a related directive, Ruto instructed the National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) to allow public service vehicles to continue displaying graffiti art. The President questioned earlier instructions that reportedly sought to remove graffiti from matatus.
“I understand there were instructions earlier that they should remove all graffiti from their vehicles. I wonder why,” Ruto said, appearing to support the preservation of Kenya’s vibrant matatu culture.
The directive is likely to be welcomed by PSV operators and young creatives who consider matatu graffiti an important expression of urban culture and a growing part of the country’s creative economy.
On fuel pricing, the President disclosed that the government has spent KSh 13.7 billion from the Petroleum Development Fund during the April–May and May–June 2026 pricing cycles to cushion consumers from rising global oil prices. The funds have been used to stabilise fuel prices and ease pressure on households and businesses.
Ruto also directed that diesel prices be reduced by Sh10 in the next fuel pricing review for June and July, a move expected to lower transport and production costs across various sectors of the economy.-