The Senate Standing Committee on Energy, chaired by Senator William Kisang (Elgeyo Marakwet), today held a consultative meeting with the management of the Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA) at the Authority’s headquarters in Upper Hill, Nairobi.

The EPRA delegation, led by Director General Daniel Kiptoo Bargoria, and six senior officials, presented detailed responses to questions raised by the committee on ongoing regulatory actions in the Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) sector. The discussions centered on the handling of seized gas cylinders, enforcement measures against illegal refilling sites, and the overall impact of these actions on LPG dealers.

Mr. Kiptoo informed the committee that EPRA is intensifying a nationwide crackdown on illegal LPG refilling plants and counterfeit cylinders to dismantle cartels and enhance consumer safety. He emphasized that numerous illegally refilled cylinders have already been confiscated as part of the ongoing operation.

“We are committed to ensuring that every cylinder in the Kenyan market is genuine and safe for use. Eliminating illegal cylinders is not just regulation — it is a matter of protecting lives,” said Mr. Kiptoo.

During the session, Senator Edwin Sifuna sought clarification on the enforcement of safety standards, particularly as schools and other public institutions transition to LPG use. He questioned how EPRA intends to prevent future disasters similar to the recent gas explosion in Embakasi.

In response, the Director General assured the committee that strict safety measures have been implemented to prevent such incidents, noting that the removal of fake cylinders from circulation remains one of the agency’s top priorities.

EPRA further briefed the committee on plans to subsidize government-issued LPG cylinders to make them affordable for low-income households. This prompted Nominated Senator Veronica Maina to question why the cylinders would not be distributed free of charge, given that the intended beneficiaries are vulnerable households.

Mr. Kiptoo clarified that while the cylinders will be heavily subsidized, a small fee will be charged to maintain sustainability and ensure the continuity of the program.

“Our goal is affordability and safety — not free distribution. The subsidy ensures access while enabling EPRA to sustain the program,” he said.

Following the meeting, the senators toured EPRA’s storage site where seized illegal cylinders are kept, many stored in large shipping containers pending further legal action.

Nominated Senator Beatrice Ogolla attended the session virtually.

The committee will review EPRA’s submissions and continue to monitor the progress of LPG regulatory reforms as part of its oversight mandate.