The Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA) has come forward to explain its decision to deny a license to the gas filling plant that became the epicenter of the explosion tragedy in the Mradi area of Embakasi on Thursday night.
In an official statement, EPRA disclosed that it turned down three applications for construction permits, citing the failure of the owners to meet the stipulated criteria for managing a Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) plant. One major violation highlighted by EPRA was the plant's proximity to residential areas, breaching regulatory safety regulations.
"EPRA received applications for construction permits for an Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) storage and filling plant on March 19, 2023, June 20, 2023, and July 31, 2023. All applications were rejected due to non-compliance with the criteria for establishing an LPG storage and filling plant in that location," the statement outlined.
"The primary reason for rejection was the inadequate safety distances in the designs, failing to meet the standards outlined in the Kenya Standard."
Additionally, EPRA had requested the plant owners to submit a Qualitative Risk Assessment (QRA), detailing potential radiation blast profiles in the event of an explosion. This assessment involves simulating blast profiles through computer software, assessing heat radiation, tremors, and vibrations to evaluate the impact on the surrounding areas.
EPRA emphasized that the LPG plant failed to provide the requested QRA, violating the prescribed guidelines. Detailing its response, EPRA outlined short and medium-term measures designed to enhance the safety of all LPG plants across the country.
"As part of these measures, EPRA is conducting detailed technical audits on all licensed LPG plants to ensure a high safety integrity status in terms of Health, Safety, Security, and Environment (HSSE)."
EPRA underscored its commitment to taking administrative actions, including revoking operating licenses for plants falling below the high safety integrity status. Moreover, the authority emphasized rigorous surveillance and enforcement actions, including the demolition of illegal plants nationwide and addressing malpractice within the sector.
The explosion in Embakasi, which resulted in three fatalities and 270 casualties, has sparked nationwide concern. Public scrutiny has intensified, questioning the operational status of the gas filling plant in such close proximity to residential areas despite EPRA's safety concerns.