Following the tragic LPG explosion in Embakasi’s Mradi area in February, resulting in the loss of 10 lives, the government has closed 49 unauthorized gas filling plants out of the 138 that hold licenses.
Energy Cabinet Secretary David Chirchir made this announcement during separate appearances before the National Assembly’s Departmental Committee on Energy and the Senate Standing Committee on Energy. Chirchir, alongside Petroleum PS Mohamed Liban and EPRA Director General Daniel Kiptoo, had been summoned by these committees to address concerns surrounding gas filling plants, particularly regarding their proximity to human settlements.
Chirchir emphasized the need to ensure the availability of gas where people reside, prompting the closure of all facilities within 200 meters of residential areas since the tragic incident occurred. Kiptoo echoed this sentiment, confirming the sealing and shutdown of such facilities.
Legislators also raised concerns about compensating the victims of the Embakasi explosion, questioning why affected individuals were left to bear the burden of the preventable incident. Senator Ledama Ole Kina of Narok specifically inquired about EPRA’s actions in assisting those affected.
Chirchir and his colleagues were further pressed to provide details on the cause of the explosion, the involvement of unlicensed LPG entities, measures against illegal operations, legal actions taken against culprits, and long-term solutions to prevent similar incidents.
EPRA clarified that licenses had been suspended as administrative measures to address non-compliance. To prevent future incidents, EPRA outlined strict measures such as suspending non-compliant facilities, expediting criminal cases, collaborating with law enforcement, and engaging in intelligence sharing with various agencies to enforce regulations effectively.
