Motorists demand transparency in Kenya fuel pricing after Museveni’s revelation

The Motorist Association of Kenya (MAK) has called for greater transparency in the nation's fuel pricing system, following remarks made by Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni regarding middlemen in petroleum imports through Kenya. In a statement posted on their X account, MAK urged for an independent and transparent forensic investigation into Kenya's Government-to-Government (G-to-G) petroleum procurement system.

The association expressed concerns highlighted by motorists and consumers about fuel costs and the involvement of intermediaries in the import process. MAK questioned the presence of middlemen if governments were directly purchasing petroleum products from suppliers. The inquiry proposed by MAK would examine the roles of intermediaries, commissions, contracts, pricing formulas, and beneficiaries within the G-to-G fuel procurement system.

They also demanded disclosure of the true landed cost of each petroleum shipment and all additional margins incurred before the fuel reaches consumers. Museveni disclosed that a Kenyan senator had brought this issue to his attention, prompting his administration to reconsider its fuel procurement strategy and seek more direct sourcing.

This change has led to a decrease in premiums for imported diesel, petrol, and aviation fuel. However, Museveni did not disclose the identity of the senator who raised the issue. Additionally, DAP-K leader Eugene Wamalwa has similarly called for a review of Kenya's G-to-G fuel arrangement, promising to hold the implicated Kenyan brokers accountable for the high fuel prices that have impacted various sectors such as food, transport, construction, education, and healthcare.

MAK emphasized that they are not seeking charity but rather accountability, transparency, and a fair price for fuel.