The Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA) is taking significant steps toward improving consumer safety and regulatory compliance in Kenya’s energy and petroleum sectors. Recently, the authority hosted a key workshop in Nairobi County, bringing together 100 stakeholders from various sectors to discuss and enhance safety measures for energy consumers. This initiative is a strategic move to address emerging issues within the energy industry and ensure that consumers benefit from safer and more reliable services.
Cyprian Nyakundi, the Director of Public Education, Advocacy, and Consumer Protection at EPRA, emphasized the crucial role county governments play in safeguarding consumer interests. He pointed out that county governments are instrumental in licensing, surveillance, and enforcement activities in the energy sector. Nyakundi stressed that effective partnerships between EPRA and county governments would be essential to tackle challenges in the sector, improve compliance, and enhance overall safety standards.
The workshop in Nairobi focused on a wide range of critical issues that pose risks to public safety and regulatory compliance. One of the most pressing concerns discussed was the dangerous practice of cross-filling Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) cylinders. This illegal activity not only jeopardizes the safety of consumers but also compromises the integrity of cylinders, which can lead to catastrophic accidents. EPRA has been actively working to curb this practice by sensitizing key stakeholders about the risks associated with cross-filling and enforcing regulations that safeguard the integrity of LPG cylinders.
In addition to cross-filling, unlicensed operations within the energy and petroleum sectors were identified as another major threat to consumer safety. Unregulated retailers, transporters, and petroleum storage plants often operate outside the established industry standards, undermining both the safety of their services and consumer protection. The workshop sought to address these gaps by reinforcing the need for strict adherence to licensing and operational standards.
Fuel siphoning dens, which facilitate illegal trade in petroleum products, were also highlighted as a significant challenge. These dens not only fuel the black market but also pose environmental hazards due to improper storage and handling of fuel. EPRA’s ongoing efforts to curb this practice are aimed at eliminating these illegal activities, thereby improving both the economic and environmental stability of the sector.
Another critical issue discussed was under-dispensing at fuel stations. Consumers have increasingly reported being short-changed when filling up at some stations, which erodes trust in the petroleum industry. EPRA is committed to monitoring dispensing activities and ensuring that fuel stations maintain fair practices by adhering to the required standards and regulations.
The safety risks associated with fuel tanker accidents were also a major topic of discussion. EPRA noted that improper parking and inadequate safety measures during fuel transportation can lead to disastrous incidents, including spills and fires. With this in mind, the authority is calling for better oversight and the enforcement of strict safety protocols for tankers operating in urban and rural areas.
The partnership between EPRA and county governments is expected to create a culture of compliance and prioritize consumer safety in the energy sector. Nyakundi emphasized that the shared goal is to ensure timely and effective responses to emerging issues, with a multi-agency approach that aims to avert potential incidents.
This collaboration is seen as a vital step toward enhancing the overall efficiency of the energy sector, promoting safe practices, and building consumer trust. EPRA’s proactive approach underscores its commitment to consumer protection, improved safety standards, and fostering a sustainable energy future for all Kenyans. Through continued workshops, awareness programs, and strict enforcement, the authority aims to mitigate risks, enhance public safety, and promote responsible energy use throughout the country.
By fostering cooperation with county governments and various stakeholders, EPRA is laying the groundwork for a safer, more compliant, and environmentally responsible energy sector that will benefit both consumers and the broader community.
