Due to the expensive fuel prices in Kenya, many Kenyan drivers who live near the Namanga border are heading to Tanzania in search of cheaper fuel.
This trend is not limited to private car owners; public service vehicles (PSVs), large commercial trucks, and even motorbike taxis (boda bodas) are also making the trip.
One car owner told Citizen Digital, “Bei ya Tanzania ina bei nafuu kushinda yetu Kenya.”
A truck driver added, “Tunajaza full tank ili ituskume angalau kwa sababu bei ya Kenya iko juu.”
At a petrol station located on the Tanzanian side of Namanga, one liter of petrol costs TZS 3,297, which is equivalent to Sh. 193.49 when converted to Kenyan shillings.
Considering an exchange rate of TZS 17 for every Kenyan shilling, the same amount of petrol would cost Sh. 206 in Kenya.
This means that Kenyan drivers save around Sh. 18 per liter by buying fuel in Tanzania.
For diesel, the price in Tanzania is TZS 3,343, equal to Sh. 196.19.
With the exchange rate mentioned earlier, Kenyan diesel consumers save at least Sh. 4 per liter by purchasing fuel in Tanzania.
This shift of Kenyan motorists to Tanzania is negatively affecting the businesses of Kenyan fuel retailers near the Namanga border.
Many petrol stations are now empty, with very few customers.
A station attendant expressed concern, saying, “Wengi wana prefer kuvuka border.
Sasa sisi hapa tumebaki hatuna kazi. Na vile bei ya maisha imepanda tutaenda wapi?”
As the Kenyan government expects fuel prices to remain high next month, it’s likely that this trend at the Namanga border will continue.
