EPRA Chair Adan H. Ali Faults Hon. Ndindi Nyoro Over Fuel Levy Remarks

By John Kariuki

The Chairman of the Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA), Hon. Adan H. Ali, has issued a sharp rebuttal to recent claims made by Kiharu MP Ndindi Nyoro, who alleged that the government used a seven shilling fuel levy as collateral for a 175 billion shilling loan facility, thereby contributing to the current spike in fuel prices.

In a strongly worded response, Hon. Ali described the accusations as both disingenuous and politically motivated, accusing the MP of engaging in selective amnesia for political gain. He reminded the public that Hon. Nyoro, as the former Chairperson of the National Assembly Budget and Appropriations Committee in 2023, was not only aware of Kenya’s fiscal policies but also directly involved in shaping the very public borrowing strategy he now criticizes.

“It is both disingenuous and politically expedient for Hon. Ndindi Nyoro to accuse the Government of Kenya of engineering a fuel price spike by claiming that the seven shilling fuel levy was used as collateral for a 175 billion shilling loan facility,” said Hon. Ali.

“As someone who chaired the Budget and Appropriations Committee, Hon. Nyoro was not only fully aware of the fiscal framework and public borrowing strategy, but also actively participated in shaping it. His participation in key budget deliberations and financing decisions is well documented.”

According to Hon. Ali, attempts to shift blame from past fiscal decisions amount to misleading the public and undermining the credibility of state institutions. He warned that such political posturing does not advance the interests of ordinary Kenyans but instead erodes public trust and accountability.

“This kind of political posturing does not advance public interest. Instead, it undermines public trust, insults the intelligence of the Kenyan people, and distracts from the real issues at hand. Leaders must be guided by integrity, consistency, and accountability, not convenience,” he added.

Hon. Ali emphasized that EPRA remains committed to upholding transparency and safeguarding consumer interests within the energy sector. He called on public leaders to rise above partisan rhetoric and engage in fact-based, constructive dialogue on national issues.

The remarks come amid heightened public concern over the cost of living and rising fuel prices, which have become a central point of political debate. As the energy regulator, EPRA has maintained that global market dynamics and domestic taxation policies are key factors influencing local pump prices.

Hon. Ali’s statement serves as a reminder of the importance of institutional memory, consistency in leadership, and the need for responsible public discourse at a time when Kenyans are grappling with economic pressures.