KEPSA participated in an LPG Stakeholder Forum hosted by the State Department of Petroleum, last Friday in Nairobi, graced by the Cabinet Secretary, Davis Chirchir and Principal Secretary, Mohamed Liban. The workshop with the theme “Enhancing LPG Growth as a Clean Energy Solution while emphasizing on Surveillance and Enforcement” aimed at discussing and sharing insights on how to enhance enforcement for the successful implementation of the National LPG growth strategy for the LPG sector.

CS David Chirchir, in his keynote address highlighted the need of advancing LPG as a cleaner cooking solution that is environmentally friendly and healthy. Underscoring the efforts of the Ministry, he stated that the current goal is to ensure that 4.5 million 1kg cylinders are freely available in the market accommodating the low-income households and welcomed PPPs to ensure the attainment of this goal by enhancing supply to the last mile. He further encouraged discipline among industry players and regulators to ensure sustainability and reliability within the sector. 

PS Mohamed Liban, in his remarks, re-emphasized the need to transition to LPG as the cheaper and greener cooking solution which will ensure employment creation as its value chain consists of; upstream production, transport & refining, bulk storage, filling and distribution. While making reference to the tragic Embakasi LPG Explosion, he stressed the need for collective action by both private and public sector players in developing robust enforcement strategies and creating awareness on the benefits of LPG.

The meeting further highlighted the following;

• The launch of the National Growth LPG Strategy which aims at increasing LPG consumption per capita from 6.5 to 15kg with a focus on 5 thematic areas which include; policy, households, housing reticulation, Learning Institutions and other LPG Initiatives.
• The construction of an LPG bulk importation, storage and handling facility by 2028 which will not only enhance LPG infrastructure but also effectively bring down the cost of LPG in the country.
• The major challenges affecting LPG industry players which are import constraints and thriving illegal refilling stations. Proposed was the implementation of an LPG OTS System, 30% import quota and cylinder tracing.

The meeting concluded with an affirmative call to action to both public and private sector players to enhance enforcement of LPG regulations and to collaborate in ensuring the growth of the LPG Sector.