The Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA) has announced a shift from the government’s original promise to distribute free gas cylinders to Kenyans. This move comes after President William Ruto pledged during the 2022 campaign to provide free LPG cylinders, particularly to low-income households.
EPRA Director General Daniel Kiptoo clarified on Monday, during a briefing before the Senate Standing Committee on Energy, that the program will now offer subsidized cylinders instead of free distribution. “Our goal is affordability and safety, not free distribution. The subsidy ensures access while enabling EPRA to sustain the program,” Kiptoo said.
The announcement coincides with intensified government efforts to tackle illegal LPG practices. Kiptoo revealed that enforcement teams have been dispatched nationwide to crack down on illegal gas dealers and counterfeit cylinders. Recent raids, including one in Machakos County on June 19, 2024, resulted in the confiscation of hundreds of fake cylinders and the closure of unlicensed plants.
“Our commitment is to ensure that every cylinder in the Kenyan market is genuine and safe for use. Eliminating unlawful cylinders is not just regulation; it is a matter of protecting lives,” Kiptoo emphasized.
The EPRA boss also outlined ongoing regulatory measures, assuring lawmakers that safety protocols have been strengthened following a surge in illegal refilling operations. Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna questioned the authority on how it plans to ensure safety, especially in schools and public institutions transitioning to LPG. Kiptoo responded that monitoring and inspection standards have been enhanced to prevent incidents like the Embakasi explosion.
Following the session, senators toured EPRA’s storage facility where seized cylinders are kept in shipping containers pending legal action. Operators found culpable of illegal refilling face prosecution and revocation of trading permits.
With subsidized cylinders and stringent enforcement measures, EPRA aims to provide affordable, safe, and sustainable access to LPG for Kenyan households, while protecting citizens from the dangers of counterfeit and illegally refilled gas cylinders.
