Kindiki To Prioritize Demolition Of All Illegal LPG Gas Dealers
CSs Kithure Kindiki and his colleague Davis Chirchir announced this in a joint statement as part of plans to undertake a fresh risk assessment for all LPG plants in the country.
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The Ministry of Interior and Coordination jointly with the Ministry of Energy and Petroleum on Friday, February 2 announced that it will demolish all Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) plants in the country found to be operating against the law.
CSs Kithure Kindiki and his colleague Davis Chirchir announced this in a joint statement as part of plans to undertake a fresh risk assessment for all LPG plants in the country.
"In order to sustain these compliance efforts, both the Ministries of Energy and Petroleum and, Interior and Administration of National Government are collaborating with EPRA to prioritize the demolition of all illegal sites through the Multi-Agency Rapid Results Initiative;
"Ensure that fresh risk assessment is undertaken for all LPG plants in the country with the view of closing all non-compliant sites," announced the two CSs.
Cooking gas cylinders on display. /STANDARD DIGITAL
Other measures undertaken include the immediate rollout of the Government LPG growth strategy which includes the development and implementation of a track and trace framework for LPG cylinders to improve traceability and accountability.
Further, punitive administrative measures to all LPG operators found filling cylinders without the written authority of the brand owners will be applied.
"Strengthen the LPG data verification framework so as to improve accountability by players in the sector;
"Enhance public awareness and sensitization programs to promote LPG safety. The Government shall hold Nationwide LPG Stakeholder workshops with a view to strengthening the policy and regulatory framework in the LPG sector," the statement added.
The two CSs added that their teams will fully collaborate with other Government agencies to investigate this incident and prosecute any persons found in breach of the law.
Kindiki X Chirchir Investigations: What They Found
Kindiki and Chirchir revealed in their investigations that there were three applications made to EPRA for a permit to construct an LPG storage and filling plant on separate dates; March 19, 2023, June 20, 2023, and July 31, 2023. All of them were rejected for not meeting the set criteria.
It was further revealed that on two occasions; 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.
"Preliminary findings indicate that on the fateful night, the refilling of LPG cylinders was done using direct manifold connections to the LPG tanker increasing the risk of leakage and explosion," the CSs explained the cause of the blast.
"EPRA works with different enforcement agencies to undertake surveillance and enforcement, especially in the petroleum and LPG sectors. More than 10 illegal sites have been demolished in the recent past."
The unfortunate incident resulted in the loss of three lives and over 200 injuries, a matter Kindiki and Chirchir termed highly regrettable.
"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. The Government shall work to ensure the over 400 families affected have their immediate needs addressed." concluded the statement.
The site has since been designated as a crime scene and is currently under surveillance to facilitate both recovery and investigative operations.
