Energy Cabinet Secretary Opiyo Wandayi has defended the government’s crackdown on illegal liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) operations, warning traders involved in illegal refilling and distribution that enforcement will be intensified.
Wandayi said the government is acting within the law to protect the public from the dangers associated with illegally refilled and traded LPG cylinders.
Speaking at a press conference on Wednesday, Wandayi dismissed allegations raised earlier by impeached Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua over the government’s handling of the LPG sector, describing them as unfounded.
He said the government had been implementing the LPG National Growth Strategy, which was approved by Cabinet to promote the transition from biomass fuels to cleaner LPG while strengthening regulation of the sector.
According to Wandayi, one of the key areas of the strategy is legal and regulatory reform aimed at curbing illegal refilling and other illicit activities in the LPG market.
He said the sector is regulated by the Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA) under the Energy Act and the Petroleum Act, with regulations requiring businesses dealing in LPG to obtain the necessary licences and comply with stipulated conditions.
The regulations also require LPG cylinders to be clearly branded, with only legitimate brand owners authorised to refill and trade in the cylinders.
Wandayi said EPRA works with the National Police Service and the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) to enforce compliance and combat illegal activities in the sector.
He explained that when illegally refilled cylinders are confiscated, an inventory is conducted in the presence of relevant authorities, including EPRA officials, police and the operator, before due process is followed.
“Those involved in illegal refilling and other unscrupulous business activities should stay warned. They are coming for you,” Wandayi said.
He linked the government’s enforcement measures to previous incidents of fires involving illegally traded gas cylinders, saying such incidents had resulted in loss of lives.
Wandayi further defended plans for a central LPG cylinder tracking system, saying the system is provided for under the LPG regulations and is intended to improve transparency and accountability in the purchase and sale of LPG cylinders.
He said the regulations require cylinders to be serialised to facilitate traceability, while procurement of the tracking system would be conducted in accordance with the Public Procurement and Asset Disposal Act and other relevant laws.
Wandayi dismissed claims that a company had already been awarded a contract to undertake the tracking of LPG cylinders, saying the procurement process was still incomplete.
He also defended the government's decision to include LPG in the common petroleum import system, saying Kenya had operated a common import system for petroleum products such as petrol, diesel, Jet A-1 and kerosene for more than two decades.
He said the system had delivered benefits in terms of pricing and quality, adding that Cabinet subsequently recommended the inclusion of heavy fuel oil, bitumen and LPG within the legal framework governing the common petroleum import system.
The Cabinet Secretary also criticised Gachagua for naming individual EPRA officials in his allegations, urging him to direct any concerns over the LPG sector to the ministry rather than targeting junior public officers.
Wandayi specifically defended EPRA officials Dr. Kipchirchir Keter and retired Major Uma, saying public officers should be allowed to perform their duties without being drawn into political disputes.
“If you have an issue concerning this sector, don't look for scapegoats. Face me directly at the Cabinet seat,” Wandayi said.
He assured the public that the government would not succumb to pressure from politicians, cartels or businesses benefiting from illicit LPG trade.
Wandayi said enforcement agencies would continue pursuing those involved in illegal LPG trade and refilling, adding that the crackdown would be intensified until full compliance is achieved.
