Kenyans will now be required to install Liquified Petroleum Gas (LPG) pipes and taps, all of which should be incorporated in building designs before approval, following cabinet resolutions passed on Monday.
In a Cabinet dispatch sent to Kenyans.co.ke, State House said the government is planning to establish common-user LPG import terminals, distribute subsidised LPG cylinders to low-income households, promote the use of LPG in institutions, facilitated by partnerships with finance institutions.
"These measures aim to reduce consumer prices, improve public safety and contribute to both public health and environmental sustainability ," the cabinet dispatch read in parts.
Notably, State House said complying with the law will be a requirement before acquiring government approval for any housing project including all units being constructed under the Affordable Housing Program.
The changes are part of a cooking gas Growth Policy that the cabinet approved that seeks to transition Kenyan households from using traditional fuels to modern and efficient LPG.
While making the proposal, Cabinet observed that as it stands, 70 percent of Kenyans rely on inefficient and polluting biomass and kerosene for cooking.
The latest Cabinet decision is consistent with an earlier promise made by President Ruto where he pronounced the government's intention to reduce the prices of LPG by almost half.
In April, the government announced it was planning to lobby MPs to do away with 3 taxes to make LPG more affordable through its Finance Bill, 2023 proposals.
In the plans, the government expressed intentions to exempt cooking gas from the 8 percent Value Added Tax (VAT), the 3.5 percent Import Declaration Fees and the Railway Development Levy of 2 percent.
During the Cabinet meeting held at Kisumu State Lodge, the executive also resolved to write off a Ksh117 billion debt public sugar mills owe the government following Parliament approval.
As such Treasury is working on waiving tax penalties and interest within 30 days.
Following the decision, the government is expected to announce when it will pay farmers' arrears within three months. The government is also expected to table proposals guiding leasing 5 state-owned sugar mills within a similar timeframe.
