Multi-sector leaders push urgent fuel relief, economic reforms

A multi-sector coalition of Kenyan leaders has called for urgent fuel pricing reforms, economic relief measures, and structural policy changes to address rising living costs, debt pressure, and disruptions in the transport sector.

The leaders spoke in Nairobi after holding a high-level stakeholder forum bringing together representatives from the private sector, clergy, professionals, youth leaders and economic experts under a non-partisan platform.

“We had various groups, experts share with us a number of papers concerning the issues that are facing us in the country,” said Reverend Kepa Nyandega, General Secretary of the Evangelical Alliance of Kenya

He noted that the discussions included participation from government representatives, business leaders, youth, and faith institutions.

The leaders warned that fuel price volatility and transport disruptions were worsening economic pressure on households and businesses, urging immediate intervention.

“We are glad the President has already responded to some of these concerns, but we think it is not enough,” said Calisto Odede, residing Bishop of CITAM.

The group called for an immediate fuel pricing review, including a time-bound independent audit of the pricing framework involving regulators, the National Treasury, and private sector experts.

They also urged short-term relief measures for the transport sector before May 26, warning that delays could deepen supply chain disruptions.

The stakeholders proposed accelerated investment in energy sovereignty, including local fuel refining through public-private partnerships and expansion of renewable energy sources such as solar, wind, and mini-grids.

They said these measures would reduce reliance on imported fuel and strengthen long-term economic resilience.

On the Finance Bill 2026, the group said it supports several provisions but opposes its withdrawal, instead recommending targeted amendments.

“There are good things in the Bill, so we are not asking for the entire Bill to be withdrawn. We are saying it can be amended,” Reverend Nyandega said.

They supported measures such as tax amnesty, pre-populated tax returns, reduction of the Road Maintenance Levy, and incentives for real estate investment and capital formation.

However, they raised concerns over proposed tax increases including higher rental income tax, increased excise duty on mobile phones, expanded digital taxes, stricter VAT rules, and tighter compliance timelines.

They warned that some of the measures could discourage investment and weaken voluntary tax compliance urging banks to shift from collateral-based lending to cash-flow-based financing models, supported by partial credit guarantees to improve SME access to credit.

Youth unemployment was also highlighted, with proposals for job creation through AI, digital economy, sports and creative industries but expressed concerns over ballooning debts.

“We need to reflect as a nation on measures that can help us utilise revenue properly and reduce overreliance on debt,” the group said calling for for tighter parliamentary oversight on borrowing and stronger fiscal discipline.

The coalition also demanded stronger oversight in fuel imports, procurement systems, and public infrastructure projects, including independent monitoring mechanisms and strict reporting timelines.

Faith leaders said they would intensify civic education ahead of the 2027 General Election, focusing on accountability, unity, and economic literacy.

The stakeholders are expected to submit formal memoranda to Parliament during ongoing public articipation on the Finance Bill 2026.