The government has announced plans to crack down on gas storage and refilling depots in the country after one caught fire in Embakasi Thursday night.
At least three people died and more than 280 others were injured following the incident at Mradi area after a gas filling and storage plant caught fire Thursday night.
In a joint statement, Interior CS Kithure Kindiki and his Energy counterpart Davis Chirchir said the government will demolish all illegal sites through the Multi-Agency Rapid Results Initiative.
"The government will apply punitive administrative measures to all Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) operators found filling cylinders without the written authority of the brand owners," CS Kindiki said.
He said the government will ensure a fresh risk assessment is undertaken for all LPG plants in the country with the view of closing all non-compliant sites.
The CS said the government plans to roll out an LPG growth strategy which includes the development and implementation of a track-and-trace framework for LPG cylinders to improve traceability and accountability.
He said the government will strengthen the LPG data verification framework to improve accountability by players in the sector.
"We will enhance public awareness and sensitisation programs to promote LPG safety. The government shall hold Nationwide LPG Stakeholder workshops to strengthen the policy and regulatory framework in the LPG sector," Kindiki said.
According to CS Kindiki, all three applications to EPRA for a permit to construct the Embakasi gas plant were rejected.
The CS said government agencies will collaborate to investigate the incident and prosecute persons found in breach of the law.
"Twice, in March 2020 and January 2021, the plant that was illegally constructed at the said location was demolished by EPRA and the operators charged in Court," he said.
He revealed that preliminary findings indicated that on Thursday night, the refilling of LPG cylinders was done using direct manifold connections to the LPG tanker thereby increasing the risk of leakage and explosion.
KIndiki said so far, more than 10 illegal gas plants have been demolished in the recent past.
"We wish quick recovery to the injured and send sincere condolences to those who have lost their loved ones. We commend the search and rescue efforts that have been put in place by various government agencies, development partners and private citizens," Kindiki said.
"The government shall work to ensure the over 400 families affected have their immediate needs addressed."
