Kenya's government has defended the recent increase in fuel prices, attributing the hike primarily to rising international prices rather than domestic policy decisions. The Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA) Director General Daniel Kiptoo and EPRA Chairperson Adan Ali both dismissed allegations by MP Ndindi Nyoro that the government deliberately increased fuel prices or engaged in off-the-books borrowing. Cabinet Secretary for Roads, Davis Chirchir, explained that the Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA) outsources road maintenance and patrol services through Performance-Based Contracts, which involve the use of privately owned vehicles on critical roads such as Thika Road and the Southern Bypass. Chirchir also highlighted that the government has securitized the fuel levy to address historical road sector financial obligations, describing this as a legally sound method to unlock funds without increasing public debt. Additionally, CS Mbadi linked the fuel price hike to the ongoing conflict between Israel and Iran and emphasized the government's stance on continuing with the securitization of the fuel levy despite criticism. Progress on the Mtwapa-Kilifi road project currently stands at 64%, with completion expected by March 2026.