The high prices of kerosene have made life unbearable for most Kenyans, a Senate committee has said.
According to the Senate Committee on Energy, the increased kerosene prices have negatively affected the lives of millions of Kenyans.
The team has now faulted the Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA) over increased prices of kerosene and fuel in the country.
According to the committee, an adulteration levy introduced by EPRA is to blame for the high prices, which has made life difficult for Kenyans.
Appearing before the committee, EPRA Director-General Pavel Oimeke said the gains on fuel have reduced since the introduction of the exercise duty.
“The adjustment increased the duty on super petrol by Sh1.02 per litre while diesel and kerosene went up by Sh0.53,” Mr Oimeke told the committee as quoted by Daily Nation.
"The levy was necessary to manage the quality of fuel sold in Kenya. Some Kenyans were getting rich by selling bad fuel,” he added.
The adulteration levy was adopted to curb cases of traders attempting to mix kerosene with diesel or petrol. The traders had started selling the fuel to motorists who were not aware of the illegal business.
The legislators said the move has affected many people since it was adopted and want action taken with immediate effect.
Migori Senator Ochillo Ayacko said he adoption of the exercise duty was a move geared towards punishing Kenyans.
adulteration levy, saying it has increased the price of kerosene and made the life of ordinary Kenyans difficult.