Court Blocks Government’s 10% Crude Oil Import Levy, Giving Relief to Kenyans

The court found that the government failed to involve the public and Parliament in a matter directly affecting essential commodity prices and the livelihoods of ordinary citizens

Ken Maasai1 week ago

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Mahakama ilibaini kuwa serikali haikushirikisha wananchi na Bunge katika uamuzi unaoathiri moja kwa moja bei za bidhaa muhimu na maisha ya wananchi wa kawaida

By : Mweru Mbugua

Kenyans have won a significant legal victory after the High Court declared the government’s 10 percent import duty on crude oil unconstitutional

Judge Bahati Mwamuye ruled that the decision, which would have raised fuel and related commodity prices, is null and void

The court found that the government failed to involve the public and Parliament in a matter directly affecting essential commodity prices and the livelihoods of ordinary citizens

Court Blocks Government’s 10% Crude Oil Import Levy, Giving Relief to Kenyans

“Any government action under the East African Community (EAC) Common Market framework must follow proper public participation and parliamentary scrutiny. Ignoring this violates the Constitution,” Justice Mwamuye stated

The ruling also stopped the enforcement of the EAC Gazette Notice dated June 30, 2024, which had introduced the import levy

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The judgment effectively blocks the implementation of the 10 percent duty, offering relief to consumers amid rising costs

This decision is expected to stabilize fuel prices and ease the financial burden on households across the country