Ruto Explains Why Fuel Prices in Kenya Are Higher Than Tanzania and Uganda
President William Ruto has, for the first time, openly responded to the growing concerns from Kenyans over the high cost of fuel in the country compared to neighbouring nations such as Tanzania and Uganda.
Speaking during a church service held in Karen on Sunday, April 19, the Head of State took time to explain the key reasons behind the price differences, offering a broader economic perspective that many citizens have been seeking.
His remarks come at a time when the issue of fuel costs continues to dominate public debate, especially as Kenyans struggle with the rising cost of living.
According to President Ruto, one of the main reasons for the higher fuel prices in Kenya is the country’s economic classification.
He explained that Kenya is considered a middle-income country, unlike many of its neighbours within the East African Community, which are still classified as least developed countries.
This difference, he noted, has a direct impact on taxation policies, development priorities, and the overall cost of doing business.
The President stressed that comparing Kenya’s fuel prices directly with those of its neighbours can sometimes be misleading. Instead, he encouraged Kenyans to compare Kenya with other middle-income economies around the world.
According to him, such comparisons would provide a clearer and more accurate understanding of why prices appear higher locally.
In addition to economic classification, President Ruto pointed out that infrastructure development plays a major role in determining fuel prices. He explained that Kenya has made significant investments in building and maintaining road networks across the country.
A portion of the taxes included in fuel prices, he said, is specifically allocated to road maintenance and expansion projects.
He revealed that Kenya currently maintains more than 20,000 kilometres of tarmac roads, with an additional 6,000 kilometres still under construction.
This, he noted, is a major achievement that surpasses the combined tarmac road network of several East African countries.
Such extensive infrastructure, while beneficial for transport, trade, and national growth, comes with high maintenance costs that must be funded through levies, including those charged on fuel.
President Ruto further explained that these taxes are not imposed without purpose. Instead, they are carefully structured to support long-term development goals.
Improved roads, he said, enhance connectivity between regions, boost trade activities, reduce travel time, and open up rural areas for economic opportunities. In this way, the money collected from fuel is reinvested into projects that benefit the wider economy.
Looking ahead, the President outlined the government’s ambitious plans to expand the country’s road network even further. Beyond the ongoing construction of 6,000 kilometres, the government aims to build an additional 28,000 kilometres of tarmac roads over the next seven years.
This target, he said, reflects Kenya’s commitment to raising its infrastructure standards and positioning itself as a regional economic leader.
Ruto’s remarks come shortly after the Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA) announced a sharp increase in fuel prices, which sparked widespread concern among Kenyans.
On April 14, pump prices rose to above Ksh206 per litre for both petrol and diesel before being slightly adjusted.
Currently, petrol is retailing at around Ksh197.60 per litre, while diesel stands at approximately Ksh196.63 per litre for the current pricing period.
These price changes have intensified comparisons with neighbouring countries. In Uganda, petrol prices are estimated to range between Ksh185 and Ksh190 per litre, while diesel costs about Ksh175 to Ksh183. In Tanzania, petrol averages around Ksh191 per litre, with diesel selling at about Ksh190.
These differences have raised questions among Kenyans, many of whom feel the burden of higher fuel costs in their daily lives.
As the debate continues, President Ruto’s explanation highlights the complex balance between development, taxation, and affordability.
While the government focuses on long-term infrastructure growth and economic progress, many citizens are still calling for immediate relief from the high cost of fuel, making this an issue that is likely to remain at the centre of national discussion.
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— NairobiNews.co.ke (@NairobiNews254) April 17, 2026
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