By WMW
Parliament has formally begun processing proposals by Kiharu Member of Parliament Ndindi Nyoro seeking to lower fuel prices through tax and levy reductions, in a move that contributed to the suspension of nationwide protests and a transport sector strike that had paralysed parts of the country.
The proposals come amid mounting public anger over soaring fuel prices that triggered demonstrations, stay-away protests, and disruptions in public transport operations across several regions.
In a statement, Nyoro confirmed that the parliamentary process had officially commenced following submissions to the National Assembly aimed at reducing the cost of petroleum products.
“Following the proposals to Parliament with the intention to lower various taxes and levies to reduce fuel prices, I’m glad Parliament has responded and the process has taken off,” Nyoro said.
He added that he is expected to appear before relevant parliamentary committees next week as part of the review process.
The lawmaker noted that while the fuel crisis had significantly affected the transport sector, the rising prices were impacting all Kenyans directly and indirectly through increased costs of food, transport, and essential commodities.
Nyoro’s proposals include reducing Value Added Tax (VAT) on petroleum products from the current eight percent to zero by making the products VAT exempt.
He has also proposed reducing the Road Maintenance Levy Fund (RMLF) by KSh7 per litre, reversing an increment introduced in 2024 that pushed the levy to KSh25 per litre.
Under the proposal, the levy would drop from KSh25 to KSh18 per litre.
The MP further suggested reducing profit margins for importers and distributors, as well as providing an additional KSh5 billion subsidy for petroleum products.
According to Nyoro, the combined measures could reduce the price of diesel by approximately KSh54 per litre.
In a formal letter dated May 15, 2026, addressed to the Clerk of the National Assembly, Nyoro argued that the proposed amendments were necessary short-term interventions to cushion Kenyans from inflationary pressures and the economic impact of rising fuel costs.
The letter proposed amendments to the VAT Act and the revocation of the 2024 Road Maintenance Levy increment.
The National Assembly has since acknowledged receipt of the proposals and confirmed that the process is underway.
In a response dated May 19, 2026, the Parliamentary Budget Office, through Director Dr Martin Masinde on behalf of the Clerk of the National Assembly, stated that the proposals had been forwarded to the relevant House committees for consideration.
Parliament informed Nyoro that the amendments would be processed in accordance with Article 114 of the Constitution and the Standing Orders of the National Assembly.
The communication further indicated that the Budget and Appropriations Committee and the Departmental Committee on Finance and National Planning would require the MP to explain the implications of the proposed changes on the approved 2025/2026 Budget, the 2026/2027 budget estimates, and existing contractual obligations linked to proceeds from the Road Maintenance Levy Fund.
The developments came as pressure mounted on the government to address rising fuel costs blamed for increased transport fares, food prices, and general economic hardship.
The nationwide fuel crisis sparked protests and a temporary matatu strike that disrupted transport services in several towns and cities before being called off after Parliament agreed to begin considering possible interventions.
Leaders across the political divide, transport operators, civil society groups, and business associations have in recent days called for urgent review of fuel taxes and levies, arguing that the current pricing structure is unsustainable for ordinary Kenyans and businesses.
The parliamentary process is now expected to shape the next phase of debate on possible fuel price relief measures as the country grapples with rising living costs and growing economic pressure on households and industries.
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