Nairobi — Trade, and Investments Cabinet Secretary Moses Kuria has scoffed at those criticizing the Kenya Kwanza Alliance regime for the escalating fuel prices whose spiral effect is increased cost of living.
Without mincing his words, Kuria told those bashing the President William Ruto's administration to remain silent or drill their 'oil boreholes' to alleviate the crisis insisting the increased fuel prices crisis is a global issue.
"From morning till evening If you keep saying the fuel price has gone up, why don't you dig your own oil well? Those people making noise, If they have their own well, I'm ready to start digging tomorrow," he said.
The Trade Cabinet Secretary Boss has been vocal about preparing Kenyans for a tough time ahead following the escalating fuel prices saying the pain at the pump will continue until next year in February.
On his X handle, the CS urged Kenyans to brace for the shocks.
"Global Crude Prices are on an upward trajectory. For planning purposes expect pump prices to go up by Ksh 10 every month till February," he posted.
Raila on Ruto
Kuria verbal attack comes barely 24 hours after Azimio La Umoja Leader Raila Odinga tore into President William Ruto's administration one year in governance terming it disastrous.
Odinga who addressed the media at the Stephen Kalonzo Musyoka command center said the government's efforts to reduce the cost of living through rhetoric have failed terribly with the increase of key commodities prices.
"As the sun set on the first year of Kenya Kwanza, it is clear that no amount of oratory or extravagant claims can hide the harsh fact that we have had an extremely disastrous and difficult one year," he said.
The Azimio La Umoja Leader warned that the second year of Kenya Kwanza would be much distratrous saying positive economic trajectory cannot be maintained through propaganda.
He outlined that the increase in fuel and electricity prices will increase inflation in the country arguing that the feterlizer subsidy program will not solve the high cost of living issue.
"No amount of fertilizer will lower the cost of food as long as the cost of fuel is unchecked. Diesel is one of the highest costs in farming. Even if you give the citizen a bag of fertilizer but make it impossible for her to plough an acre of land you have not solved the problem," Odinga said.
Odinga pointed out that the country's currency losing a quarter of its value to the US dollar during Ruto's administration was a betrayal to the electorate.
He noted that the Kenyan currency which is regarded as mighty in the East African region is on a downward trajectory having lost 20 percent of its value against Tanzania and Uganda shilling.
"The fall of the shilling comes with a great price that includes escalated cost of imports including food.The free fall of the shilling is therefore a grand betrayal of the people of Kenya by the Kenya Kwanza regime," said the ODM leader.
The expected rise in prices will hurt Kenyans, who are already battling with high fuel prices.
Fuel Increase
On Thursday,the Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA) revised fuel prices upwards to Sh16.96 for petrol, diesel (Sh21.32), and kerosene (Sh33.13).
Sign up for free AllAfrica Newsletters
Get the latest in African news delivered straight to your inbox
This means that a liter of petrol, diesel, and kerosene will now retail at Sh211.64, Sh200.99, and Sh202.61 per liter in Nairobi.
"The average landed cost of imported Super Petrol increased by 4.80% from US$739.21 per cubic metre in July 2023 to US$774.67 per cubic metre in August 2023; Diesel increased by 12.52% from US$701.99 per cubic metre to US$789.89 per cubic metre while Kerosene increased by 19.79% from US$690.58 per cubic metre to US$827.26 per cubic metre," EPRA announced.
Fuel is a key cog in various sectors, including transportation, industries, and homes, and a slight rise can have a negative impact on them.
An increase in prices means that the above players will be forced to pass on extra costs to consumers, coming at a time when the majority of them are facing tough economic times amid high costs of living.
