Ruto orders Sh10 diesel price cut, pushes shift to electric vehicles

President William Ruto has directed a further reduction in diesel prices by Sh10 in the upcoming June–July pricing cycle, in a move aimed at easing pressure on consumers and stabilising fuel costs following recent increases at the pump.

The directive, issued after consultations with public transport operators, is intended to cushion motorists and transport stakeholders from rising fuel prices that have sparked concern over the cost of living.

“I have directed, after consultations with leaders here from the transport sector, that in the pricing cycle, we are going to further reduce the prices of diesel by Sh10 for June to July,” Ruto said while speaking in Mombasa.

Following the adjustment, diesel prices in Nairobi are expected to drop to Sh222.86 per litre, while kerosene will retail at Sh191.38 per litre and super petrol at Sh214.25 per litre, effective June 15 once the new prices are gazetted.

At the same time, the President said the government is accelerating its transition to electric mobility as part of a broader strategy to reduce reliance on fossil fuels and protect the economy from global oil shocks.

“We must embrace electric vehicles,” he said, adding that the government had already ordered 3,000 electric vehicles through the Ministry of Interior for use by security and administration officers.

He also announced a tax incentive for electric vehicle adoption, stating that the first 100,000 electric vehicles imported into Kenya, whether for public or private use, will be exempt from import duty.

“I am also making a declaration that the first 100,000 electric vehicles to be imported into Kenya… will be duty-free,” he said.

Ruto further urged investment in local electric vehicle manufacturing, saying Kenya is courting investors to establish production facilities in the country as part of long-term industrial growth.

He also dismissed concerns over fuel shortages, assuring Kenyans that supply remains stable and that the government is closely managing distribution and pricing mechanisms to avoid disruptions.