By EldoretLeo 
The Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA) has defended its independence in setting fuel prices, insisting that its decisions are guided by established regulations and are not influenced by external interests.
EPRA Director General Edward Kinyua made the remarks before the National Assembly Departmental Committee on Energy during a meeting in Naivasha on Wednesday, October 28, as lawmakers questioned the regulator’s communication with the public over fuel prices and supply challenges.
Kinyua said the authority operates independently and was committed to ensuring that Kenyans understand the factors behind changes in petroleum prices.
The statement comes amid growing public concern over the rising cost of fuel, following the latest price review that increased Super Petrol by KSh 12.93 per litre, diesel by KSh 9.90 and kerosene by KSh 28.49.
Under the current pricing structure, Super Petrol retails at a maximum of KSh 226.96 per litre in Nairobi, while diesel costs KSh 227.76 and kerosene KSh 219.87.
The regulator attributed the increases to higher costs of imported petroleum products amid international market pressures, including tensions in the Middle East.
During the parliamentary session, Kinyua said EPRA had begun engaging television stations and vernacular radio outlets to explain developments in the petroleum sector and help consumers understand the factors influencing pump prices.
He also assured lawmakers that the authority would undertake public participation whenever necessary to gather views from consumers and other stakeholders.
Committee Chairperson and Nakuru Town East MP David Gikaria urged EPRA to expand its public education campaigns, particularly through vernacular radio stations, to ensure that information reaches Kenyans who may not have access to mainstream media.
Gikaria said improved communication would help address public concerns about fuel price changes and shortages while promoting greater transparency in the petroleum sector.
Beyond pricing, lawmakers called for stronger enforcement against petroleum adulteration, warning that the practice poses risks to consumers and undermines the quality of fuel products in the market.
The State Department for Petroleum also briefed the committee on budget implementation, attributing delays in some planned projects, particularly the liquefied petroleum gas distribution programme, to procurement challenges.
Officials reported that 86 per cent of subsidy funds had been absorbed, while fuel price stabilisation costs for the June 15 to July 14, 2026, pricing cycle amounted to KSh 10.3 billion.
Principal Secretary for Petroleum Kello Harsama further told the committee that the government had opted to engage a private developer for the proposed oil refinery because of the substantial investment required to establish the facility.
The discussions highlight growing pressure on energy regulators to improve transparency and strengthen consumer protection as households and businesses continue to grapple with rising fuel costs.
For motorists, transport operators and businesses across Kenya, the key concern remains whether greater public engagement and stronger regulatory oversight will help improve understanding of fuel prices and prevent irregularities in the petroleum supply chain.
Baraka Simba