President William Ruto, Energy and Petroleum Cabinet Secretary Opiyo Wandayi, Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja and MOA chairman Albert Karakacha at State House, Mombasa on May 22 /PCS

President William Ruto has assured Kenyans that the country is not facing a fuel shortage despite growing anxiety triggered by rising fuel prices, transport disruptions and fears over global supply chain instability linked to the ongoing Middle East crisis.

The President said the government had secured stable fuel supplies through the government-to-government fuel import framework, insisting that international suppliers remain contractually obligated to ensure uninterrupted deliveries into the country.

Speaking on Friday at State House in Mombasa while addressing the ongoing fuel crisis, Ruto said the government was fully aware of the economic strain facing households, businesses and transport operators but maintained that the situation remained under control.

“I wish to assure the country that there is no fuel shortage. Through the government-to-government framework, international oil suppliers are contractually obligated to maintain consistent supply,” Ruto said.

“The government is taking all necessary measures to ensure continued uninterrupted supply and stability in the market."

The President acknowledged the hardships being experienced by ordinary Kenyans following recent fuel price increases, saying the government understood the concerns of families, workers and small businesses struggling with the rising cost of living.

“To every mother worried about tomorrow’s food prices, every worker wondering how they will afford transport to work, every trader struggling to keep a small business alive, and every young person anxious about the future, I want you to know that the government of Kenya sees your struggle and stands with you,” he said.

Ruto also directly addressed transport operators, matatu owners and logistics players whose operations have been heavily affected by increased fuel costs.

“To our transport operators, drivers and logistics workers, we hear your concerns. We respect the important role you play in keeping our economy moving, and we will continue engaging you to find practical solutions,” the President said.

He further appealed for calm and unity, saying the country had previously overcome major crises including droughts, floods, terrorism and the Covid-19 pandemic.

“This situation is not permanent. We have overcome many challenges before because we stood together as one people,” Ruto said.

The President’s remarks come days after matatu operators staged nationwide protests over soaring fuel prices, paralysing transport services in several towns including Nairobi, Mombasa, Kisumu and Nakuru.

The strike, which started on Monday, left thousands of commuters stranded as some operators withdrew vehicles from the roads while others sharply increased fares.

The demonstrations were called off on Tuesday afternoon after transport sector leaders agreed to open talks with the government.

Earlier this week, the Matatu Owners Association claimed the sector had suffered losses exceeding Sh500 million due to the protests and rising operational costs.

Operators argued that many transporters were struggling to meet vehicle loan repayments, Sacco charges, insurance costs and maintenance expenses following the latest fuel price adjustments announced by the Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority.

The fuel crisis has sparked wider public concern over the rising cost of living, with fears that increased transport costs could trigger higher prices for food and other basic commodities across the country.