16th April, 2026
Even after the latest fuel price hike in Kenya, questions are growing over why some landlocked neighbours such as Uganda are paying significantly less at the pump.
The puzzle has drawn attention because countries like Uganda source part of their fuel through Port of Mombasa, yet consumers there often enjoy lower retail prices than motorists in Kenya.
Analysts point to differences in taxation, government subsidies, exchange rates, regulatory levies, and pricing formulas as key reasons behind the gap. In Kenya, multiple taxes and charges form a significant portion of pump prices.
The comparison is likely to intensify pressure on policymakers as Kenyan households and businesses continue to grapple with the rising cost of transport and living.