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News and Analysis
April 15, 2025
Hello Moneymakers, Washington here. In this Newsletter, we are covering yesterday’s fuel hike and listing the areas that will still pay above the national average of Ksh174.63 as well as a ban on all Super Metro buses.
In summary
Big Fuel Winners and Losers (The List)
Despite the latest reduction of pump prices by the Energy Petroleum and Regulatory Authority (EPRA), some motorists in parts of the country will still pay up to Ksh188 for a litre of Super Petrol, a significant variation from the Nairobi area standard price of Ksh174.63.
Why This Matters: Motorists in the affected towns of Northern Kenya, including Mandera, will fork out double-digit more for the same product as those in Nairobi despite a slightly over 1,000-kilometer radius. The affected towns are ranked among the poorest and most under-developed in Kenya, hence in need of subsidised products.
For instance, motorists in Mandera will purchase a litre of petrol at Ksh188.64. This is Ksh14 more than the national average. Equally, EPRA set the price of Diesel in Mandera at Ksh178.87.
In Elwak, motorists will spend Ksh186.48 on a liter of Super Petrol and Ksh176.37 on a litre of Diesel.
Other notable areas with the most expensive pump prices include Meru (Ksh177.95 for Super Petrol and Ksh168.19 for Diesel), Garissa (Ksh179.10 for Super Petrol and Ksh169.34 for Diesel), and Mtito Andei (Ksh177.25 for Super Petrol and Ksh167.48 for Diesel).
Sweet Deals: Meanwhile, motorists at the Coast will enjoy the cheapest pump prices for the next 30 days in comparison with other parts of the country.
For instance, while Nairobi motorists spend Ksh174.63 on a litre of Super Petrol, their counterparts in Mombasa will spend Ksh171.39. Diesel consumers in Nairobi will spend Ksh164.86 per litre, while those in Mombasa will spend Ksh161.62 - a difference of Ksh3.24.
Why the difference: Residents in the northern parts of the country purchase fuel at a higher price because of other logistical factors such as transportation.
For full fuel coverage: EPRA Announces Fuel Prices for April-May 2025
Super Metro Suspends Operations
Meanwhile, Super Metro has suspended its services for three days following a directive issued by the Transport Licensing Appeals Board.
Why This Matters: Thousands of middle and low-class commuters, especially in Nairobi, rely on the Sacco for daily commute, mostly to their workplaces.
According to the bus company, which has a fleet of over 500 vehicles, the suspension will be effected to ensure that all the vehicles are compliant, given its recent dispute with the National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA).
"Super Metro Limited fully respects the decisions of the TLAB and the court. We are working diligently to address the outstanding compliance issues within the stipulated timeframe and will resume operations as soon as we receive approval from the relevant authorities,” read the statement in part.
Digital Lenders Pay Millions in Fines
Several digital lenders have been in the spotlight after they were ordered to pay millions in fines for data privacy breaches.
According to the Business Daily, White Path, Platinum Credit, and Rocket Pesa were ordered to pay a sum of Ksh2.25 million to different complainants by the Office of the Data Protection Commissioner (ODPC).
In the cases ruled on this year, the digital lenders were accused of harassing individuals who had been listed as guarantors by loan applicants.
It is reported that the lenders could soon face fines from the Central Bank of Kenya (CBK), as outlined in the Digital Service Providers regulations of 2022.
Ruto Courting China After Cancelling Ksh191 Nakuru Highway
Reuters is reporting that Kenya is keen on securing the services of a Chinese company to undertake the Ksh191 billion Rironi-Nakuru Mau Summit Highway following the cancellation of the contract that had been awarded to a French company.
Why It Matters: President William Ruto’s administration is racing against time to land a new contractor after calling off an earlier engagement with a French Company. The Head of State had earlier promised that the highway would be done by 2027, in time for his re-election.
While the company being eyed by the government is yet to be revealed, more details are expected to be made public in the coming days, given that President William Ruto will be touring the Asian country later this month.
Treasury Cabinet Secretary John Mbadi already visited China early this month, ahead of the planned visit by Ruto.
The contract that had earlier been awarded to Vinci SA was cancelled after the government sought to renegotiate parts of the deal that were deemed burdensome to Kenyan taxpayers.
Also Read: List of All Highways KeNHA Plans to Build or Upgrade By 2027
Ksh82 Million Case Against KUSCCO officials to Proceed
According to the People Daily, the case involving former officials of Ktenya Union of Savings and Credit Cooperatives Ltd (KUSCCO) is set to proceed in June this year.
The directive was issued by Milimani Senior Principal Magistrate Dolphina Alego after the defence team informed the Court that they had received all relevant documents from the prosecution, including witness statements.
The former officials led by are accused of diverting funds of Ksh82 land purchase project to their accounts.
The matter will be heard between June 23 and June 25. The accused officials include former MD George Ototo, Jackline Omolo, George Magutu, George Ochola Owino, and Mercy Muthoni Njeri. The five have denied the charges.
Also Read: Breakdown of Ksh13 Billion Kuscco Heist That Nearly Collapsed Saccos in Kenya
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