The Energy and Regulatory Authority (EPRA) is in advanced stage of rolling out the cylinder track and trace technology as part of its strategy of utilising technology in implementing the LPG Growth strategy. The measure aims at protecting consumers, investors and other stakeholders in the LPG subsector industry.
EPRA Director General Daniel Kiptoo says: “The Authority is on course to roll out the cylinder track and trace technology as part of its strategy of utilising technology in implementing the strategy.”
EPRA has commenced the implementation of the LPG Growth strategy with the review of LPG Regulations 2019 (legal notice 100). The strategy aims to transition 80% of the population using biomass to the use of LPG by 2026, which is considered a cleaner source of energy.
The review of legal notice 100 is part of the implementation of pillar 4 of the LPG growth strategy 2023, which was approved by the Cabinet in October 2023. The growth strategy aims to increase LPG consumption per capita from 6.5 to 15kg with a focus on 5 thematic areas which include focus on LPG infrastructure, LPG for schools, Subsidised Cylinders and legal and regulatory reforms.
Energy and Petroleum Cabinet Secretary Opiyo Wandayi, said: “Many Kenyans are either partially using LPG or relying entirely on firewood. This includes public institutions such as schools, prisons, hospitals, and state security agencies. ‘’Our goal is to eliminate the negative environmental and health impacts associated with these practices.“
Kiptoo added: “We will support the implementation of the strategy through a robust legal and regulatory framework that supports the development of LPG infrastructure, promotes ease of doing business and levels the playing ground while ensuring safety along the LPG value chain. The reviewed draft Regulations have already been presented to the Attorney General.”
On Illegal refilling, he said that in addition to strict enforcement of the provisions of the law, the Authority has engaged other Government Agencies such as Kenya Revenue Authority to integrate the systems for tracking of all bulk LPG road tankers.
“The Authority is in the process of engaging a service provider stationed at all the LPG entry points in Kenya to among other things undertake compliance verification of all LPG tankers entering the Country to the points of discharge of the bulk gas. This shall ensure accountability of all cylinders being filled matches the bulk gas offloaded,” said Kiptoo.