Residents of the Nyanza region have been urged to turn-out in large numbers and register as voters during the ongoing voter registration exercise, with leaders emphasizing the region’s untapped electoral strength and its potential to significantly increase its numbers ahead of the forthcoming elections.
Speaking at Sigomere in Ugunja Constituency, Energy and Petroleum Cabinet Secretary (CS), James Opiyo Wandayi, called on all eligible residents who already possess national Identity Cards, to take advantage of the exercise and ensure their names are captured in the voters’ register.
The region currently commands an estimated 2.2 million voters, making it a significant voting bloc. Siaya County alone accounts for approximately 534,000 registered voters, with indications that the County can add nearly 800,000 more voters if those eligible turn-up in sufficient numbers.
The call for voter mobilization comes amid renewed political activity in the region, with leaders keen on consolidating Nyanza’s voice in national decision-making processes through higher voter turn-out and registration numbers.
Wandayi also addressed concerns surrounding the country’s fuel pricing and the state of the petroleum industry, assuring Kenyans that measures had been put in place to cushion motorists and households from the full impact of rising global fuel costs.
He pointed to the government’s intervention of Sh 6.2 billion subsidy intervention that was meant to shield consumers from a sharper rise in pump prices, noting that the move helped moderate the tax effect that would otherwise have pushed fuel prices significantly higher.
Part of the intervention included adjustments aimed at easing the burden on ordinary citizens, including efforts that softened the effect, these include the measures according to Wandayi that the government resorted to reduce value added tax from 16 per cent to 13 per cent.
Kerosene, a fuel widely used by low-income households for cooking and lighting, was spared from the increase, in a deliberate move to protect vulnerable families already struggling with the rising cost of living.
The CS issued a stern warning to individuals and networks believed to be interfering with the smooth running of the petroleum sector.
He said the government is at war with powerful cartels operating within the oil industry and vowed decisive action against them, describing the groups as deeply entrenched and increasingly bold in their attempts to influence public discourse and destabilize reforms within the sector.
According to Wandayi, the resistance and criticism currently being directed at the Ministry and himself in particular, should be viewed as a backlash from vested interests whose operations are being threatened by the ongoing reforms.
He maintained that these cartels have, over time, grown so powerful that they now believe they can shape national conversations and manipulate public opinion to protect their interests.
The Ministry, he said, remains firmly on course in its efforts to restore order, accountability, and efficiency in the energy and petroleum sector.
Wandayi reassured Kenyans that the government remains committed to safeguarding the country’s energy security and ensuring that consumers are protected from exploitation.
He insisted that the challenges currently facing the sector are being addressed and that measures are underway to put the industry back on a stable footing.
The remarks come at a time when the petroleum sector has been under intense scrutiny over pricing concerns, supply issues, and allegations of market manipulation.
According to Wandayi, the renewed push against oil cartels is expected to form a key part of broader reforms, aimed at restoring public confidence in the sector.
by Calvin Otieno
