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Why Fuel Costs More in Kenya - Ruto Cites Infrastructure Demands

President William Ruto has attributed Kenya's status as a middle-income country and its high infrastructure demand as the primary reasons for the country's higher fuel costs compared to its neighbors. Addressing concerns over rising prices, the President said fuel levies are essential for maintaining Kenya's existing network of over 20,000 kilometers of roads, with an additional 6,000 kilometers currently under construction.

"Transformation is not about making peace with mediocrity," the President said, urging Kenyans to view development as a long-term investment and stressing that higher standards come with increased costs.

The rise in government taxes and levies - specifically for road maintenance - has intensified scrutiny of President Ruto's 2022 campaign rhetoric. At the time, he frequently questioned why fuel remained cheaper in neighboring landlocked countries that rely heavily on Kenyan infrastructure for their own supply chains.

InFocus

Capital FM

A pump attendant fuels a matatu at a petrol station in Nyeri on September 2, 2018.

InFocus

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