Deputy President Kithure Kindiki during a past event/COURTESY

Deputy President Kithure Kindiki has assured Kenyans that the government is exploring all possible interventions to cushion consumers from rising fuel prices triggered by escalating tensions in the Middle East and disruptions in global oil supply chains.

‎Kindiki said the government was determined to shield Kenyans from the economic effects of the ongoing conflict involving Iran, which has pushed up the cost of crude oil, insurance and shipping globally.

‎“We are implementing every necessary action to stabilise fuel prices,” Kindiki said on Friday during an inspection tour of development projects in South Imenti, Meru County.

‎"The cost of fuel, insurance and shipping has increased significantly because of the war in Iran, but we do not want Kenyans to suffer.”

‎The DP noted that the government had already reduced Value Added Tax (VAT) on fuel from 16 per cent to 8 per cent and released Sh5 billion to cushion consumers through subsidies.

‎“We are also looking at additional options to protect Kenyans from the higher cost of fuel and the rising cost of living. Our intention is to ensure wananchi are not overburdened by transport costs and other economic pressures caused by this global crisis,” he said.

‎Kindiki urged Kenyans to remain patient as the State rolls out more interventions aimed at stabilising the economy.

‎“The increase in fuel prices is not unique to Kenya. Countries across the world are facing the same challenge because of the instability in the Persian Gulf. We are asking Kenyans to be patient as we work on long-term solutions,” he added.

‎He made the remarks after inspecting the nearly complete Nkubu–Rubiri–Kamurita Road and the Rubiri Last Mile Electricity Connection Project in Meru County.

‎He later addressed residents at Rubiri shopping centre, where he pledged the completion of all ongoing government projects in the region and announced that more infrastructure works would soon commence.

‎According to Kindiki, Meru County is among the biggest beneficiaries of the government’s infrastructure programme, having received more than Sh39 billion for the construction and rehabilitation of roads across the county.

‎“These projects are spread across all constituencies in Meru because our focus is to improve connectivity, trade and the livelihoods of the people,” he said.

‎The government has also allocated Sh3.7 billion for the construction of 17 kilometres of link roads within Meru town as part of efforts to elevate the municipality into city status. Road upgrades are also ongoing in Nkubu town.

‎On electrification, Kindiki said the government had released Sh1.3 billion under the Last Mile Connectivity Programme to connect at least 16,000 households to electricity in the county.

‎“We are fully focused on transforming the lives of the people of Meru. We will ensure all these projects are completed on time so that wananchi can begin enjoying the benefits,” he said.

‎The DP further highlighted other flagship projects underway in the county, including the planned upgrade of Meru Referral Hospital to a Level Six facility, affordable housing projects, student hostels and the construction of more than 20 modern markets.

‎At the same time, Kindiki challenged the Kenya Kwanza administration’s political rivals to prepare for what he described as a performance-based contest ahead of the next General Election.

‎“When we come back here next year to seek your support, we will present what we have achieved in the last five years and not just empty rhetoric,” he said. “Our opponents must also tell Kenyans what they did when they were in office.”

‎The Deputy President was accompanied by Meru Governor Isaac Mutuma, Senator Kathuri Murungi, South Imenti MP Shadrack Mwiti, Central Imenti MP Moses Kirima and several MCAs. The star