By Imali Ngusale
Nairobi, Kenya– Fuel prices in Kenya have risen for a second time in less than two months. This move has deepened the cost of living, which already hurts vulnerable persons, especially women in low-income settings.
In Nairobi, Super Petrol is priced at KSh 226.96 (US$1.76) per liter, Diesel at KSh 227.76 (US$1.76), and kerosene at KSh 219.87 (US$1.70). In Kisumu, Super Petrol is priced at KSh 226.51 (US$1.75) per liter, Diesel at KSh 227.71 (US$1.76), and kerosene at KSh 219.83 (US$1.70). In Mombasa, Super Petrol retails at KSh 223.81 (US$1.73) per liter, Diesel at KSh 224.61 (US$1.74), and kerosene at KSh 216.71 (US$1.68).
These prices have reverberated through the cost of doing business and the prices of food and other essential household commodities. Women will likely be disproportionately affected because they shoulder a greater share of household expenditures and unpaid care work.
A kilo of beef cost around Sh782.68 (USD $6.07), while Sukuma wiki rose to Sh122 (USD $0.95). White wheat flour increased by 4.5 percent to Sh181 (USD $1.40) for a two-kilo pack; fresh non-packet milk went up to Sh77.54 per liter, from Sh73 (USD $0.57), while the average price of a 500ml packet of fresh milk rose from Sh57.74 in August to Sh63.00 (USD $0.49) in October 2026 amid a major shortage.
While these costs may be viewed through socio-political lenses, the dialogue underscores the need for an inclusive energy transition.
At the moment, Kenya cannot deliver a just energy transition by changing its energy sources while leaving the inequalities that govern access, affordability, and decision-making intact.
A “just” energy transition, as outlined in the Kenya Energy Transition and Investment Plan 2023-2050, would require alternative transport options, such as electric vehicles. It would also require fast-tracking investment in geothermal power by Kshs. 147.6 million (US$1.14 million), which is much lower than the cost of fuel and fuel subsidies.
Without an intentional plan to move away from fossil fuels, the cost of living will continue to rise every month. Current fuel expenses have affected many businesses and households.
Speaking on the matter, Ruth Mwanza, a 30-year-old vegetable vendor in Nairobi County, said, “The rising cost of fuel is a sharp blow to my business.”
“My business requires me to wake up at 0300 hours and travel to Marigiti market in downtown Nairobi to buy goods. Before the fuel price adjustment, the one-way trip cost me about KSh 100. Now I am expected to pay between KSh 130 (USD $1) and KSh 150 ($1.15). The increase may look small; however, it significantly determines my selling price,” added Mwanza.
Mwanza also said that rising fuel prices have led her to keep only one employee instead of expanding.
“An increase in fuel prices adds to my operating costs. I have to review my expenses and pass some of the additional costs on to my customers.”
In the same vein, Sharon Okeyo, from the Women Climate Action and Livelihood Development, said, “Women must be at the epicenter of energy discussion.”
Okeyo also said, “The challenges with the rising cost of fuel go beyond the price of fuel itself.”
“Women who rely on public transportation, manage household energy needs, run small businesses, or undertake unpaid care work may face additional financial and time pressures as energy and transportation costs affect their daily lives,” added Okeyo.
Accordingly, Malkia, the Disruptor in Chief at Sauti Salama, said, “The transition cannot be just if energy systems remain patriarchal.” Malkia believes women must have meaningful power to shape energy policies to achieve a just transition in Kenya.
An “unjust” energy transition has gendered implications that are not only cross-cutting but also deepen structural inequalities.
Over-reliance on fossil-fuel-powered public transportation remains Kenya’s most expensive expenditure, estimated at over $4 billion (Kshs. 519.68 billion) annually.
Every shilling spent keeping pump prices low is a shilling that cannot go to public hospitals, universal healthcare (UHC), schools, or infrastructure.
Replacing fossil-fuel vehicles with electric vehicles (EVs) could significantly reduce these budgets. Perhaps the government should accelerate EV imports and build the supporting infrastructure.