Kenyans seeking relief from soaring fuel prices have suffered a blow after the High Court dismissed a petition challenging the government’s handling of pump prices.

The petition, filed in December 2023 by Kituo cha Sheria, accused the Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA) and the Ministry of Energy of failing to lower fuel prices despite a drop in global oil costs. The lobby group argued that the inaction worsened the cost of living, strained households, and slowed economic growth.

However, Justice Chacha Mwita ruled that the petitioners had failed to prove that EPRA and the ministry violated Kenyans’ economic and consumer rights under Articles 43 and 46 of the Constitution.

“The measures already taken by the government are reasonable. Any further steps would be additional, not mandatory,” Justice Mwita said.

The ruling means fuel prices will continue to be determined under the existing pricing formula used by EPRA.

“I am unable to make orders in favour of the petitioners,” the court declared, effectively rejecting arguments that there was no justification for maintaining the high pump prices.