For safety reasons, the Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA) outlines ways in which Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) cylinders should be transported.
According to EPRA, it is illegal to transport a complete gas cylinder using a matatu or any vehicle that is not licensed to transport LPG cylinders.
Despite the ban, many Kenyans continue to defy warnings from the Regulatory Authority and transport their complete gas cylinders using public service vehicles.
Kenyans.co.ke compiled three dangers of carrying your gas complete with its burner using a matatu.
Lack of secure holding
A vehicle made to transport gas cylinders is designed to ensure that gas cylinders do not knock against each other or any other hard surface.
Even if properly secured in a matatu, the burner will cause knocking, which could cause the valve to move out of place.
When that happens, the gas cylinder becomes a missile with enough power to smash through concrete walls.
Leakage
Due to improper handling in matatus, a complete set cylinder is at risk of leaking or switching on the gas valve.
Gas leakage is dangerous since it can lead to an explosion when it comes in contact with incompatible gases.
There is also the risk of an explosion if someone lights a matchstick inside or near the vehicle.
Fire extinguisher
According to Kenya Subsidiary Legislation, 2019, any vehicle carrying LPG cylinders should have fire extinguishers.
“A motor vehicle for use in the transport of cylinders shall be equipped with two serviced dry powder fire extinguishers of at least nine kilograms each,” the law states.
Since matatus do not have that provision, there would be no emergency response in case of an accident.
Fine for carrying gas cylinders using matatus
The Kenya Subsidiary Legislation, 2019, outlaws any vehicle without a licence from EPRA from transporting gas cylinders.
“Use of a vehicle for purposes of transport of bulk LPG that does not possess a valid permit issued by the Authority attracts a fine not less than Ksh1 million,” the Law states.
