Kenyans motorists have begun crossing into Uganda in search of cheaper fuel at pump stations in the border district of Busia, as prices at home continue to climb. The motorists claim fuel in Uganda is noticeably cheaper than in Kenya. With pump prices rising across the region, a section of motorists from Busia County and neighbouring Kenyan counties have resorted to refuelling across the border. Some ride in to fill their vehicles and motorcycles, while others carry jerrycans across the porous frontier to buy fuel in bulk. Interviews with Kenyan motorists at Shell petrol stations in Busia town indicated that pump prices in Kenya range around KShs 171.4 per litre (about Shs 5,000), with some stations reportedly selling petrol at as high as KShs 200 (about Shs 5,760). Kelvin Omondi, a boda-boda rider from Busia County, said he began fuelling his motorcycle on the Ugandan side after noticing that several stations were offering lower prices. Another rider, Joseph Makokha Orange, said some operators cross with jerrycans to purchase fuel in large quantities for resale at a profit back in Kenya. Emmanuel Olara, manager of the Shell petrol station in Busia town, said many of their current customers are Kenyan motorists drawn by the comparatively lower prices. He added that they do not expect a sharp hike in fuel prices and cautioned motorists against overreacting to the situation. However, the influx has raised concerns among local riders. Kennedy Makokha, a boda-boda rider at the Majanji Road stage in Busia town, said he has suspended longer passenger trips due to the high cost of fuel. Mangeni Buchaman, another rider, noted that operators are struggling to adjust fares. “It is still difficult to increase transport charges because passengers expect the usual fares, and this is pushing riders into losses,” he said. He warned that the situation could worsen as more Kenyan riders flock to Uganda for cheaper fuel. Joseph Ojambo, chairperson of the Busia motorcycle boda-boda riders, cyclists and allied workers, said the rising fuel prices have already forced many operators out of business. According to Ojambo, the number of boda-boda riders operating at Busia town stages has dropped by nearly 50 per cent.The post Kenyan motorists dash to Uganda for cheaper fuel appeared first on The Observer.