Ruto Clears Air on Fuel Subsidy Return
President William Ruto criticized Wednesday a portion of Kenyans who criticized the Kenya Kwanza government for its decision to reinstate the fuel subsidy just eleven months after it was eliminated.
In defending this reversal, the President clarified that his administration is implementing the legally mandated petroleum levy rather than reverting to the subsidy system established by the Jubilee Administration.
The President, speaking at the 8th Devolution Conference 2023 in Uasin Gishu County, reaffirmed his government’s unwavering commitment to avoiding additional loans.
He expressed concern that an increase in borrowing would increase Kenya’s debt burden, preventing the government from achieving its objectives.
Ruto stated, “We will not return to subsidies of any kind that distort the market and cause us a great deal of waste.”
The President also criticized the media’s coverage of the issue, alleging that the fourth estate has in fact misreported the situation.
“We are making prudent and appropriate use of the law-mandated petroleum development levy. It is intended to develop the petroleum industry and stabilize petroleum prices whenever we experience unanticipated increases, Ruto explained.
ALSO READ: EPRA Reinstates Uhuru Fuel Subsidy Scrapped by President Ruto
ALSO READ: Ruto’s Role in Uhuru’s Fuel Subsidy Return
“On the subject of debt, I have been very clear: we will save more, increase local revenue in counties, and put an end to corruption so that we have the funds to run our show.”
Ruto stated, as a stern warning to elected leaders, that his administration would not spare any corrupt leaders proven to be responsible.
The administration of President William Ruto reinstated the petroleum subsidy during the most recent price review for the August-September period.
According to the Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA), the subsidy was reinstated to mitigate the effects of higher petroleum landing costs on Kenyans.
In the previous month, the price of Super Petrol increased by 6.84 percent, Diesel by 4.29 percent, and Kerosene by 7.41 percent.
President concluded his remarks by praising Meg Whitman, the United States Ambassador to Kenya, for her dedication to the country’s development.
Ruto Clears Air on Fuel Subsidy Return
