Police launched a manhunt for a Nairobi-based businessman after a raid was conducted on his company in Embakasi South Sub-County on Friday, April 7.
In a statement, the Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA) revealed that the businessman went missing after it was discovered that he was operating an illegal Liquid Petroleum Gas (LPG) refilling factory.
The authority detailed that the Embakasi outlet did not have the relevant licences.
This prompted the regulatory agency to close down the property even as investigations into the company continues.
EPRA also raised concern over the safety measured at the company as the agency stated that the company located in a residential area was hazardous.
"Located in a residential area, the site was unsafe to the members of the public. Operations at the site have been ceased forthwith and the owner is being trailed to be apprehended to face prosecution
"The site has been operating illegally without a licence contrary to the LPG Regulations of 2019 and an LPG tanker impounded as an exhibit," read the statement in part.
Further, the authority called on Kenyans to be cautious as they continue with their crackdown on illegal LPG businesses.
Kenyans were urged to report any suspicious businesses to the authority through 0709 336 000.
The raid on the Embakasi firm came after other raids were conducted across the county with a number of business owners arrested for flaunting the laws.
Inspection of LPG facilities in the country was called for by the Ministry of Interior as the government seeks to enforce compliance in the industry.
“The registration drive aims to enhance the management and regulation of LPG and petroleum businesses in the country and will involve the collection of data and information from all LPG and petroleum businesses,” Interior Principal Secretary Raymond Omollo stated.
