{
  "id": 14605731,
  "title": "MPs extend fuel VAT relief for 90 days as Kenyans face rising costs",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/15/mps-extend-fuel-vat-relief-for-90-days-as-kenyans-face-rising-costs",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-10-15T03:41:14.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "People Daily Kenya",
    "slug": "people-daily-kenya",
    "url": "https://peopledaily.digital/news/mps-extend-fuel-vat-relief-for-90-days-as-kenyans-face-rising-costs"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "The National Assembly has approved a Bill to maintain reduced VAT on petroleum products for another 90 days, providing relief for Kenyan households and businesses amid rising fuel costs. Sponsored by National Assembly Majority Leader Kimani Ichung’wah, the Tax Laws (Amendment) Bill, 2026 seeks to keep VAT on petrol, diesel, and kerosene at eight per cent, down from the standard 16 per cent rate. Treasury Cabinet Secretary could extend the relief for up to three more months if the conflict in the Middle East persists. The extension aims to alleviate the tax burden on essential goods and services, such as public transport, food distribution, and manufacturing, which are all influenced by fuel prices. Finance and National Planning Committee Chairperson Kimani Kuria emphasized the need for government intervention due to geopolitical tensions impacting global oil prices. However, the final prices paid by consumers still depend on international oil prices and other applicable costs and taxes. The Bill also proposes changes to the Excise Duty Act, shifting the basis for calculating excise duty on ceramic tiles from weight to surface area. This adjustment could reduce the tax burden on a typical consignment by up to 70%, benefiting both importers and consumers.",
  "summary": "The National Assembly has passed a Bill retaining the reduced 8 per cent VAT on petroleum products, with a possible further extension if tensions in the Middle East persist. Kenyans are set to continue benefiting from reduced taxes on fuel after the National Assembly passed a Bill extending the lower Value Added Tax (VAT) rate […]",
  "key_points": [
    "Kenyan MPs extend fuel VAT relief for 90 days",
    "Tax on petrol, diesel, and kerosene reduced to 8%",
    "Bill proposes new excise duty calculation method"
  ],
  "editors_take": "Maintaining lower fuel taxes provides a temporary buffer for essential supply chains against global geopolitical instability while shielding households from the immediate inflationary impact of rising energy costs.",
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}