In a strongly worded statement, the lawyers’ body accused the government of failing to provide adequate public information on how fuel prices are determined despite continued fluctuations that have burdened Kenyan households and businesses.
The society argued that consumers deserve to know the exact components influencing the cost of petrol, diesel, and kerosene at the pump.
LSK called for the public disclosure of the fuel pricing formula currently used by the Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority, saying the process has remained opaque for too long.
According to the lawyers, many Kenyans are unable to understand why fuel prices remain high even when global oil prices decline.
The society also questioned the effectiveness of the government to government oil importation arrangement introduced by President William Ruto’s administration in 2023.
The deal, which involves fuel imports through agreements with Gulf-based suppliers, was initially presented as a solution to stabilise the Kenyan shilling and lower fuel prices by reducing pressure on dollar demand.
However, LSK now argues that there is insufficient accountability surrounding the arrangement, including the identities of beneficiaries, procurement procedures, and the actual savings achieved since the framework was introduced.
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“The public must be informed about the true cost implications of the G-to-G fuel importation system and whether it is benefiting ordinary Kenyans,” the society said.
The lawyers’ body further demanded an independent audit into the entire oil importation chain, including procurement, transportation, storage, and distribution costs.
According to LSK, an audit would help determine whether consumers are being unfairly exploited through hidden charges or inflated costs embedded in the pricing formula.
The concerns come amid growing public frustration over the high cost of living, with fuel prices remaining a major contributor to inflation and increased transport costs across the country.
Business owners and public transport operators have repeatedly complained that expensive fuel continues to push up operational expenses, ultimately affecting the prices of basic commodities.
LSK’s demands are likely to pile pressure on the government and energy sector regulators to provide more transparency in a sector that directly affects millions of Kenyans daily.
Analysts say the debate could also reopen scrutiny of the G-to-G fuel deal, which has remained politically sensitive since its introduction.
The government has previously defended the framework, insisting it has helped stabilise fuel supply and protect the economy from foreign exchange shocks.
However, with mounting criticism from civil society and consumers, calls for accountability in the petroleum sector are expected to intensify in the coming weeks.
