The Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA) has backed the formation of a joint national-county government teams to put in place safety measures in the sale of gas and petroleum products.
The teams will oversee surveillance and enforcement activities in the sector.
County teams will take up inspection roles on adherence to set standards, public safety requirements on facility establishment, weights and measures as well as scrutinising staff qualifications on safety and operations of the facilities.
Traditionally, petroleum and cooking gas refill facilities were located in designated safe areas, away from residential and population areas.
However, pressure for land for establishment of settlement areas resulted in a review of land-use approvals allowing the construction of residential facilities within industrial zones.
“We ask county governments to collaborate with us in coming up with clear guidelines on exclusive zoning and reservation of land for setting up new petroleum and gas facilities, away from densely populated areas," EPRA director general Daniel Kiptoo said.
He spoke at a sensitisation workshop attended by county energy executives and departmental heads.
"For existing facilities, we need counties to collaborate with us in conducting regular inspection exercises to affirm compliance with safety standards and regulations,” he added.
Additionally, counties were asked to actively identify land within the counties for tanker parking yards.
This is a requirement to stop drivers from parking in residential areas, the roadside and petrol stations during transit.
The number of licensed retailers of LPG in cylinders is 459, storage and wholesale of LPG cylinders (113), transporters of LPG in cylinders (89), storage and filling of LPG in cylinders (53), transport of LPG in bulk by road (43) and import, export and wholesale of LPG in bulk (13).
The Petroleum Act of 2019 and the Petroleum (Liquefied Petroleum Gas) Regulations of 201 are some of the frameworks that govern the sub-sectors.
The Petroleum Act provides a comprehensive framework for the regulation of the exploration, development, production, transportation, and storage of petroleum and related products.
The LPG regulations on the other hand provide specific guidelines and standards for the handling, storage, transportation, and distribution of Liquefied Petroleum Gas in Kenya.
The country has witnessed several incidences in recent times, with the major one being the Embakasi gas explosion in February, which claimed more than 12 lives and left hundreds injured.