Speaking during a public forum on Thursday, Mbadi said the Kenya Kwanza administration had put in place several measures to stabilize fuel prices despite global economic pressures and fluctuating oil markets.
He argued that without government intervention, the cost of fuel in Kenya would have been significantly higher, worsening the already difficult cost of living for millions of citizens.
Mbadi pointed to the fuel stabilization programme and tax adjustments introduced by the government as key steps that have helped cushion consumers from the full impact of global crude oil price increases.
According to the Treasury CS, the government has continued to absorb part of the fuel costs in order to protect transport, food, and production sectors from economic shocks.
The CS, however, took issue with comments made by Nyoro, who has previously criticized the government’s economic policies and accused it of overburdening Kenyans through taxes and high fuel costs.
Mbadi dismissed Nyoro’s arguments, saying the Kiharu legislator lacked the technical expertise to fully understand the complexities of fuel pricing and economic planning.
Also Read
“You cannot reduce such a sensitive issue into politics and propaganda. Fuel pricing is determined by many global and local factors, and not everyone commenting on it understands the economics behind it,” Mbadi said.
His remarks are likely to fuel further political debate within the ruling coalition, where divisions have recently emerged over the handling of the economy and taxation policies.
Nyoro, who chairs the National Assembly Budget and Appropriations Committee, has increasingly positioned himself as a vocal critic of certain government decisions, particularly those touching on taxation and public expenditure.
Mbadi maintained that the government remains committed to ensuring economic stability while balancing the need to raise revenue for development projects and debt obligations.
He acknowledged that Kenyans are still facing economic hardships but insisted that the administration is working to prevent a deeper financial crisis.
The exchange between Mbadi and Nyoro comes at a time when fuel prices remain a major concern among Kenyans, with rising transport costs continuing to affect the prices of food and essential commodities across the country.
Political analysts say the growing public disagreements between senior government officials and influential lawmakers could signal deeper tensions over economic management ahead of future political realignments.
Despite the criticism, Mbadi urged Kenyans to remain patient, saying the government’s long-term economic reforms would eventually ease pressure on households and strengthen the country’s financial position.
