The Ministry of Energy is set to launch a nationwide initiative to provide subsidized cooking gas cylinders to households across the country starting this year. Revealed during the government's performance and delivery roadshow, the Ministry outlined its commitment to distributing 60,000 cylinders to low-income households by the end of 2024.

Led by Cabinet Secretary Davis Chirchir, the Ministry clarified that the subsidized gas cylinders would be available exclusively in the 6kg capacity size. Additionally, plans are in place to connect several schools to Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) infrastructure within the same timeframe.

"Our goal is to transition 300 public learning institutions to clean cooking gas by 2024 through the provision of LPG infrastructure and initial gas supply," stated the Ministry.

President William Ruto had previously pledged to supply subsidized gas cylinders to homes as part of efforts to discourage the use of firewood and kerosene, with implementation slated for 2023. In a significant move in October 2023, the Cabinet approved the Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) Growth Policy, which included the elimination of taxes in the gas industry.

The proposed interventions outlined in the policy aimed to establish common-user LPG import terminals, distribute subsidized LPG cylinders to low-income households, and promote LPG usage in institutions. Collaboration with financial institutions, LPG stakeholders, and the Ministries of Education and Health was emphasized to ensure effective implementation.

These measures were designed to lower consumer prices, enhance public safety, and contribute to both public health and environmental sustainability, according to the Cabinet's announcement.

Furthermore, the Ministry disclosed plans to improve electricity distribution in underserved regions, including the construction of the Narok-Bomet transmission line, which will connect parts of South Rift and South Nyanza to the national grid.