UDA defends fuel policy, accuses opposition of politicising global energy crisis

UDA defends fuel policy, accuses opposition of politicising global energy crisis

Hassan Omar Hassan, Secretary General of the United Democratic Alliance, addresses the media at the party headquarters, defending the government’s fuel import policy and attributing rising pump prices to global energy market disruptions while criticising opposition claims

By Jeff Oyugi 

Nairobi - April 16, 2026

The ruling United Democratic Alliance (UDA) has defended the government’s handling of rising fuel prices and broader economic interventions, accusing opposition leaders of exploiting global shocks for political mileage while insisting recent policy measures are cushioning Kenyans from the worst effects of international market volatility. 

Speaking during a press briefing, UDA Secretary General Hassan Omar Hassan said the government had taken deliberate steps to stabilise fuel supply and protect consumers from the ripple effects of ongoing geopolitical tensions in the Middle East, which he described as a key driver of global energy price instability.

Hassan said the party’s attention had been drawn to what he termed “misleading” statements by opposition figures regarding the government-to-government (G2G) fuel import arrangement and broader economic policies. He accused critics of politicising global developments and misrepresenting the impact of government interventions aimed at shielding the economy from shocks. 

“The government has been undertaking concerted efforts to cushion Kenyans from the effects of high prices of imported fuel products,” Hassan said, adding that opposition claims linking the crisis to domestic policy failures were inaccurate and ignored global realities affecting fuel-importing economies.

According to the UDA secretary general, the government has utilised the Petroleum Development Levy Fund to help stabilise pump prices, alongside reducing value-added tax on petroleum products from 16 per cent to 8 per cent. He said these interventions were part of broader measures designed to keep fuel prices within manageable levels despite international market pressures. 

He further defended the G2G fuel import framework, saying the arrangement had ensured steady supply of petroleum products while easing pressure on foreign exchange reserves by reducing demand for the US dollar among oil marketing companies.

“The G2G arrangement has ensured continued supply and helped address dollar liquidity challenges that were previously choking the economy,” he said.

Hassan also criticised attempts to import fuel outside the G2G framework, describing such moves as unlawful and potentially harmful to consumers. He argued that the cancelled imports would have resulted in significantly higher pump prices if they had proceeded.

At the same time, he said alternative vessels had been secured to replace shipments disrupted by tensions in strategic shipping routes, including the Strait of Hormuz, and that the replacement cargoes were delivered at no additional cost to the country.

“These replacement vessels were secured at the same G2G prices despite higher wartime premiums,” he said, adding that the cargoes met Kenyan fuel quality specifications.

Hassan also took issue with criticism from former senior government officials regarding the G2G arrangement, saying some of those now opposing the framework had previously supported or approved it while in office. He cited earlier legal and procedural approvals granted before implementation of the agreement as evidence of its legitimacy.

However, opposition leaders have in recent weeks questioned the transparency and sustainability of the G2G fuel import system, arguing that Kenyans continue to face high living costs and calling for greater accountability in the management of energy policy. Some have also urged the government to reconsider levies and taxes they say are contributing to the rising cost of living.

Hassan dismissed calls for mass action over fuel prices as misguided, maintaining that price fluctuations were largely driven by international supply chain disruptions and geopolitical developments beyond Kenya’s direct control.

He also defended ongoing government programmes funded through instruments such as the National Infrastructure Fund, the affordable housing levy and increased National Social Security Fund (NSSF) contributions, saying they were essential to long-term economic transformation and job creation.

“These frameworks are designed to mobilise domestic resources for critical investments in housing, transport and social protection,” he said.

Critics, however, argue that some of these measures have increased the financial burden on households and businesses already struggling with inflation and high commodity prices.

During the briefing, Hassan further accused opposition figures of advancing populist policies without offering viable alternatives to government programmes aimed at supporting infrastructure development and economic growth. He said dismantling such initiatives would undermine efforts to strengthen domestic resource mobilisation and finance large-scale national projects.

He also urged African countries to explore greater energy cooperation and reduce dependence on external markets, noting that the continent produces more crude oil than it consumes but lacks integrated systems for refining, financing and distribution. 

“Africa produces about 10 million barrels of crude oil but consumes only about 4.5 million barrels. We must strengthen our own systems of distribution and financing,” he said.

Hassan said the government remained confident in the leadership of Energy and Petroleum Cabinet Secretary Opiyo Wandayi and Investment, Trade and Industry Cabinet Secretary Lee Kinyanjui as they implement measures to stabilise the economy amid global uncertainty.

He reiterated that Kenya, like many other countries, was experiencing the effects of international price shocks and supply disruptions linked to conflict in the Middle East and other geopolitical tensions.

“Kenya is not unique in facing these challenges. Prices have gone up across the globe, and we must be part of international efforts to stabilise the situation,” he said.

The UDA secretary general concluded by assuring Kenyans that the government of President William Ruto would continue pursuing policies aimed at cushioning households and safeguarding economic stability, while calling for political restraint from leaders he accused of exploiting the crisis for partisan advantage.