Nairobi, Sept. 13 -- Kenyans are grappling with costly electricity and fuel, contrary to earlier promises by President William Ruto's administration to keep the two critical commodities affordable.

Electricity costs went up from April 1 in the wake of tariff reviews that saw prices jump by between 15 percent and 20 percent while the cost of fuel significantly went up after the doubling of Value Added Tax (VAT) to 16 percent three months later.

The higher electricity prices came barely three months after Dr Ruto sought to assure Kenyans that tariffs would be reviewed to make the commodity more affordable to ease the burden on homes besides protecting businesses against a spike in operational costs.

"In three months, we will have public ...