Sakaja Specifies Closure Order On All Gas Plants In Nairobi Estates

Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja earlier on Tuesday, February 6 ordered the closure of all gas businesses operating in residential areas within the county.

The county boss issued the directive while visiting family members who lost their loved ones at Mradi, Embakasi which was on Thursday night last week rocked by a huge gas explosion.

"Also visited Embakasi Health Centre and Mama Lucy Hospital where residents continue to receive medical attention from our teams," he said in a statement on his social media pages.

During his address, he directed all sub-county administration officers to ensure all gas businesses operating within residential areas are closed with immediate effect. 

He later specified that the order applies to all gas plants operating within a 200-metre radius. In simple terms, it is like walking from one coffee restaurant to the other within the largest mall along Thika Road.

"We have directed that all gas-filling plants within 200m of a residential area be closed forthwith," he added.

Sakaja further revealed that the county administration shall continue to give financial support to the victims covering medical costs as well as rent money to settle them as they seek alternative accommodation.

He further assured Nairobians that the owners of the premises where the incident took place shall be held responsible and accountable. 

Further, the governor warned county officials against laxity during enforcement, revealing that he already had a list of similar sites whose owners would be held culpable if found to be operating illegally.

Sakaja also called on Kenyans to raise the alarm should there be gas leaks or in instances where they notice illegal gas businesses operating in their estates.

On his part, Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna revealed that the Senate Energy Committee would demand a list of gas refilling plants in the country to ensure that there is enforcement of safety regulations.

Following the accident that has claimed six lives and injured over 300 others, the Ministries of Interior and Energy announced that they would embark on fresh risk assessments of all LPG gas plants in Kenya, prioritizing the demolition of those found to be non-compliant.