The Motorists Association of Kenya (MAK) has expressed strong opposition to the recent surge in fuel prices and the increase in the Road Maintenance Levy Fund (RMLF), describing the move as a form of economic sabotage. The association is calling for the government to reverse the price hikes and refund all levies collected under what it terms as an illegitimate framework.
In a statement released on Monday, the association criticized the government for implementing the changes without engaging the public. It argued that the decision to increase fuel prices and the levy violated Article 10 of the Constitution, which emphasizes public participation in policy decisions. MAK labelled the move as “economic crime disguised as policy,” accusing authorities of using road maintenance as a cover for financial mismanagement.
The uproar comes after the Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA) conducted its latest pricing review on July 14. As a result, fuel prices in Nairobi saw a steep increase, with Super Petrol retailing at Ksh186.31 per litre, Diesel at Ksh171.58 per litre, and Kerosene at Ksh156.58 per litre. The increments of Ksh8.99, Ksh8.67, and Ksh9.65 respectively have sparked public concern and anger.
MAK specifically criticized the decision to raise the RMLF from Ksh18 to Ksh25 per litre, a directive introduced in 2024. This was the first increase in the levy in almost a decade, and the association alleges that the funds are being diverted towards shady loan securitization and payments to ghost contractors. The association also faulted officials for bypassing parliamentary oversight in making such critical decisions.
The motorists’ lobby is now calling for urgent intervention by oversight bodies such as the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) and the Auditor General. It is demanding a full investigation into the collection and use of these funds, warning that the current state of affairs represents a pattern of impunity that must not be normalized.
In its statement, MAK vowed to mobilize motorists for peaceful demonstrations if the government fails to reverse the price increases. The association emphasized that the issue extends beyond the cost of fuel, framing it as a fight to protect the public from exploitation disguised as government policy.
