By Pascal Ndegwa - Reporter
Kenya, October 14, 2026 - Kenya has intensified efforts to remove illegal petroleum and liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) operations from residential areas, with the State Department for Petroleum urging county security teams to act against businesses that put lives and property at risk.
Petroleum Principal Secretary Harsama Kello said counties must strengthen enforcement of petroleum laws and regulations to protect lives, property and the integrity of the petroleum supply chain. He made the remarks while opening a sensitisation workshop in Nairobi that brought together the Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA) and County Security Committees.
During the meeting, the Principal Secretary called for coordinated action between national and county government agencies to address safety risks in the petroleum and LPG sectors. He said county security teams should identify illegal fuel storage points, unsafe LPG installations and unlicensed petroleum businesses operating within their areas.
Kello urged the committees to work closely with local administrators, community leaders and industry players to identify risks and educate residents on the dangers of illegal fuel storage, unsafe gas handling and unlicensed petroleum businesses. He said community engagement should focus on prevention, encouraging residents to report suspected violations to the relevant authorities before accidents occur.
The warning comes at a time when illegal LPG refilling and poor cylinder storage remain serious safety concerns across the country. Gas cylinders that are refilled incorrectly, stored near fire sources or kept in poorly ventilated spaces can cause fires, explosions, injuries and destruction of property.
EPRA requires LPG traders to hold valid licences and to store cylinders safely in secure, well-ventilated areas. Full and empty cylinders must be separated, while cylinders should not be kept in congested spaces or near sources of heat. The regulator has repeatedly warned the public against illegal refilling, unlicensed traders and unsafe storage practices.
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Unsafe gas and fuel businesses are often found in densely populated neighbourhoods, informal settlements, market centres and roadside kiosks. Residents may notice cylinders being refilled in shops, backyards or residential houses, damaged or rusted cylinders being sold, fuel stored in unmarked containers, or gas businesses operating beside flats, schools, markets and busy pedestrian routes.
The government wants county security committees to become the first line of defence against such operations. Because they work closer to communities than national agencies, the committees are expected to identify risky businesses early, share information with EPRA and other enforcement agencies, and support public awareness campaigns at the grassroots level.
Kello said the workshop’s deliberations must translate into practical action at the county level. He noted that effective enforcement, public awareness and collaboration among government agencies are essential to preventing incidents, safeguarding communities and promoting responsible growth in the petroleum sector.
Residents who suspect illegal LPG refilling, unsafe cylinder storage or an unlicensed fuel business have been encouraged to report the matter to EPRA through info@epra.go.ke or +254 709 336 000. Where there is an immediate fire or explosion risk, they should move away from the area and contact police or county emergency services.
The government has already signalled a wider crackdown on illegal LPG refilling cartels and non-compliant cylinder dealers. For many Kenyans, however, the issue remains simple: a gas cylinder should provide cooking energy, not become a hidden danger in the estate. The success of the latest enforcement push will depend on how quickly county teams identify and remove risky operators before tragedy strikes.