The Ministry of Interior and Coordination jointly with the Ministry of Energy and Petroleum on Friday directed that a fresh risk assessment be undertaken for all gas plants in the country with the view of closing all non-compliant sites.
CSs Kithure Kindiki and Davis Chirchir further ordered the demolition of all illegal Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) sites through the Multi-Agency Rapid Results Initiative.
"Immediate rollout of Government LPG growth strategy which includes the development and implementation of a track and trace the framework for LPG cylinders to improve traceability and accountability," read part of the statement by the Ministry of Interior.
"Our teams will fully collaborate with other Government agencies to investigate this incident and prosecute any persons found in breach of the law."
Other measures included the immediate rollout of the Government LPG growth strategy which includes the development and implementation of a track and trace framework for LPG cylinders to improve traceability and accountability.
The CSs also ordered punitive administrative measures for all LPG operators found filling cylinders without the written authority of the brand owners.
Government operatives were also directed to strengthen the LPG data verification framework to improve accountability by players in the sector.
The last measure was the enhancement of public awareness and sensitisation programs to promote LPG safety.
"We shall hold Nationwide LPG Stakeholder workshops to strengthen the policy and regulatory framework in the LPG sector," the duo stated.
Investigations Into Embakasi Explosion
Kindiki and Chirchir confirmed that three people died and over 200 were injured in the Thursday night explosion.
The duo established that three applications were made to EPRA for a permit to construct an LPG storage and filling plant on separate dates, March 19, 2023, June 20, 2023 and July 31, 2023.
However, EPRA rejected all three applications at every instance for not meeting the set criteria.
In March 2020 and January 2021, the plant was illegally constructed at the said location but was demolished by EPRA and the operators charged in court.
"Preliminary findings indicate that on the fateful night, the refilling of LPG cylinders was done using direct manifold connections to the LPG tanker increasing the risk of leakage and explosion," the duo stated.
"We wish quick recovery to the injured and send sincere condolences to those who have lost their loved ones," they stated.
