Questions about how a gas processing plant based in Embakasi escaped a major government crackdown in 2023 have emerged shortly after a fire that left three people dead.
According to a statement by the Ministry of Interior dated March 29, 2023, the government had launched of a nationwide crackdown through the LPG and Petroleum business registration drive.
The exercise was scheduled to begin on Tuesday April 3, 2023, running through to Friday 14th April 2023 according to the Ministry with the aim of wiping out illegal gas plants.
“The State Department for Internal Security and National Administration in collaboration with the State Department for Petroleum is pleased to announce the launch of a nationwide LPG and Petroleum business registration exercise,” read part of the statement.
As per the statement, the crackdown involved registration of LPG and Petroleum businesses conducted in all sub-counties.
The exercise was led by National Government Administration Officers (NGAOs) in collaboration with the Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA).
Also Read: LIVE BLOG: What We Know So Far About Embakasi Explosion
Also, the Ministry revealed that the crackdown would involve collection of data and information from all LPG and petroleum businesses.
“The exercise will help to ensure that all LPG and petroleum operators are compliant with safety regulations, thereby minimizing the risk of accidents and protecting the public,” the statement added.
Embakasi Explosion
However, questions have been raised on how the fateful gas station located at Mradi area of Embakasi continued running despite the registration crackdown.
EPRA has since clarified details about the gas site, noting that it was operating illegally.
In a February 2,2024 statement, the regulatory body revealed the specific dates it received the applications for constructions of the site.
Also Read: EPRA Reveals Details on Registration of Company Behind Embakasi Explosion
The regulatory body however said that all applications of the company were rejected as they did not meet the set criteria for an LPG storage and filling plant in that area.
Also, the energy regulatory body listed safety measures it undertakes to ensure safety of all LPG plants in the country.
“The formulated short and medium-term measures include 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),” said EPRA.
Additionally, the body highlighted that administrative actions are always taken to ensure that operating licenses for all plants rated below the high safety integrity status are revoked.
This also involves taking surveillance and enforcement actions, which includes demolishing illegal plants operating across the country.
The reaction from leaders and representatives of Nairobi residents has also been put into question with some Kenyans asking why they did not push for the closure of the plant.
