Kenyans in Busia County have now been forced to cross the border into Uganda to fuel their vehicles following the implementation of the 16 percent VAT on fuel products.
A litre of super unleaded petrol retails at Ksh108 in Uganda compared to Kenya’s new average of Ksh131.
Motorist interviewed, shared their frustrations and disappointment on the new tax that sees them pay more for fuel.
According to a Citizen TV reporter in Namilongo, Kenyan vehicles and motorcycles were spotted fueling at different petrol stations in Uganda on Monday.
The implementation of the new tax sees petrol retail at Ksh127.80 and Ksh 97.41 for Kerosene in Nairobi.
The worst hit will be Mandera motorists who will pay Ksh141 for Petrol.
The directive by Treasury CS Henry Rotich has since caused paralysis of transport in certain areas of the country and an increase on fare charges by a significant amount.
Hundred of travellers in Mombasa were left stranded at several bus stations as some matatus boycotted.
Some commuters were forced to walk for long distances due to lack of transport.
Demos were held in Nakuru County with the aim of piling pressure on the government to alter the high prices of fuel that will affect the cost of living for the citizens.
On the same day, activist Okiya Omtatah and COTU moved to court to challenge the directive indicating that it will raise the cost of living for Kenyans.
Economists have already raised an alarm pointing out that the implementation will deprive motorists of purchasing power.
It will further raise the operation cost for industrialists and transporters who will pass the additional costs to the consumers.
