Kenyan President William Ruto announces transport relief measures while ruling out more fuel‑tax cuts

President William Ruto unveiled a package of interventions to ease pressure on Kenya’s transport sector after days of unrest linked to rising fuel prices. Measures include directing the Ministry of Transport to seek temporary loan relief for operators, working with the Insurance Regulatory Authority to improve insurance claim access, and reviewing the Insurance Act and Auctioneers Act within three months. The National Transport and Safety Authority was tasked with regulating digital taxi platforms, setting minimum fares, and supporting matatu operators’ artwork under safety guidelines.

Ruto also announced a further reduction of the diesel price by Sh10 per litre for the June‑July pricing cycle, bringing retail diesel to Sh222.92 in Nairobi, while stating that no additional cuts to fuel taxes will be made. The transport federation called off a planned nationwide strike following the President’s engagement with sector stakeholders. The unrest had previously left at least four people dead and caused property damage.

The government said it has spent Sh28.19 billion on fuel stabilization through subsidies and tax relief, and urged greater adoption of electric mobility as a long‑term solution.