Embakasi Explosion: EPRA Reveals Why It Rejected Licence Applications For Gas Plant 3 Times

The Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA) has stated that it did not grant a licence to the Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) storage and filling plant which was linked to the huge explosion that occurred in the Mradi area, Embakasi, Nairobi.

EPRA explained in a statement that it rejected three applications for construction permits because the owners did not meet the requirements for running an LPG plant.

"At approximately 1130hrs on Thursday 1st February 2024, there was an LPG explosion at the Mradi area in Embakasi, Nairobi County. 

"We are saddened by the loss of life and injuries that have occurred. As the sector regulator, the safety and well-being of the public is our priority. 

Regarding this incident, EPRA clarified that applications for construction permits for a Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) storage and filling plant at the site were submitted to the regulator on March 19, 2023, June 20, 2023, and July 31, 2023.

However, all applications were rejected as they did not meet the set criteria for an LPG storage and filling plant in that area.  

"The main reason for the rejection was the failure of the designs to meet the safety distances stipulated in the Kenya Standard. EPRA noted the high population density around the proposed site and the applicant was requested to submit a Qualitative Risk Assessment clearly indicating the radiation blast profiles in the unfortunate case of an explosion like the one that happened yesterday," added the authority.

According to EPRA, the blast profiles are simulated by the use of computer software and indicate the effect of a typical blast in terms of heat radiation and tremor/vibration and are useful in reviewing the safety of the surrounding areas.  

The applicant was accused of not providing the requested QRA resulting in the rejection of the applications. Email correspondences providing reasons for the rejection were sent to the applicant. 

"As the regulator, we have formulated short and medium-term measures to ensure the safety of all LPG plants in the country is guaranteed. This is through actions such as undertaking detailed technical audits of all licensed LPG plants in the country with the objective of ensuring high safety integrity status in terms of Health, Safety, Security and Environment (HSSE). 

"Administrative actions are always taken to ensure that operating licenses for all plants rated below the high safety integrity status are revoked," the statement added.

In addition, surveillance and enforcement actions are taken including demolishing illegal plants operating across the country and curbing malpractice in the sector.

The Embakasi explosion attracted nationwide attention after the incident occurred late on Thursday night, February 1.

Since then, one more person has lost his life, bringing the death toll to three, with 270 casualties recorded. One person has been arrested in connection with the incident.

Embakasi residents watched the aftermath of the gas explosion on February 2, 2024. /BRIAN MURIMI