Motorists Association demands EPRA dissolution over unfair fuel pricing
By William Muthama, September 15, 2025The Motorists Association of Kenya (MAK) has called for the immediate disbandment of the Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA), accusing the regulator of imposing politically motivated and unfair fuel prices that penalise Kenyans.
In a statement on Monday, September 15, 2025, MAK described recent price adjustments as super petrol down Ksh0.79, diesel Ksh0.11, and kerosene Ksh0.80 per litre as cosmetic and detached from economic realities.
“This monthly circus only keeps Kenyans on edge and conditions the public to accept exploitative, unpredictable hikes,” the association said.
MAK emphasised that fuel pricing was more transparent under the former Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC), which applied a scientific formula open to the public and stakeholders.
According to EPRA, the surge in fuel prices is linked to increased landing costs, shipping charges, and a global rise in refined petroleum prices.
“Before ERC, fuel prices reflected actual market conditions. They were accountable, explained, and accessible to all,” the statement read. The association said dismantling ERC in 2013 and replacing it with EPRA introduced politically influenced pricing, with appointed directors setting costs without public accountability.
The association also criticised the opaque government-to-government (G-to-G) fuel procurement framework.
“This system allows a few suppliers to profit while ordinary Kenyans shoulder the cost. Fuel is not a luxury; it powers our economy, transport, and livelihoods. EPRA has failed to protect the public,” MAK said.
The dissolution call comes a month after Kiharu MP, Ndindi Nyoro, questioned the justification given by the Ministry of Energy, which attributed the hike to global oil prices despite data showing that the highest global oil prices were recorded last year, not this year.
Highlighting the regional impact, MAK noted that Tanzania recently raised fuel prices, threatening regional transport and trade.
The group also argued that government-led housing and construction projects reduce job creation compared to ordinary Kenyans building their own homes.
“Kenyans building their own houses have been more efficient at creating employment than government-led initiatives,” the statement added.
MAK demanded a return to ERC’s transparent formula or a free-market approach where global trends determine prices.
“The government has no business setting fuel prices. Let market forces work, and if the government wants revenue, it must do so transparently,” the association said.
MAK concluded by pledging to continue advocating for fairness, transparency, and accountability, saying Kenyans have endured more than a decade of policies that inflate costs and slow economic growth.