Ruto Announces New Plans to Protect Kenyans from Rising Fuel

President William Ruto has announced fresh measures aimed at protecting Kenyans from the possible rise in fuel and basic commodity prices as tensions in the Middle East continue.

In a statement released on Monday, March 30, the President revealed that the government had already held a high-level meeting involving key ministries and economic institutions to assess the situation and find solutions.

The meeting brought together officials from the Ministries of Energy, Agriculture, and Trade, alongside the National Treasury, the Central Bank, and representatives from the private sector.

According to Ruto, the discussions focused on how the ongoing conflict in the Middle East could affect Kenya, especially in areas such as fuel supply, food security, and exports.

Fuel Prices to Remain Stable

The President assured Kenyans that the government has already put measures in place to prevent sudden increases in fuel prices.

He pointed to the ongoing government-to-government fuel import deal, which he said is helping to cushion the country from global oil price shocks.

Ruto explained that the deal is ensuring a steady supply of fuel while keeping prices relatively stable, despite the rising costs in the international market.

He added that the Ministry of Energy and the National Treasury are ready to introduce more measures if fuel prices continue to rise due to the global crisis.

No Shortage of Fertiliser

On food production, the President gave assurance that farmers will not face fertiliser shortages during the current planting season.

He confirmed that the country has enough fertiliser supplies to last through the rainy season up to September.

This, he said, will help support food production and prevent a rise in food prices in the coming months.

Ports Record Increased Activity

The President also highlighted increased activity at key ports, including the Port of Mombasa and Lamu Port.

Lamu Port, in particular, has seen a rise in cargo handling, including the shipment of thousands of vehicles destined for Gulf countries.

Meat Exports Face Challenges

However, not all sectors are performing well. The President raised concerns over the meat export industry, which has been affected by logistical and transport challenges linked to the Middle East conflict.

To address this, the government plans to work with stakeholders in the agriculture and trade sectors to find alternative export solutions.