Kenya Energy CS defends crackdown on illegal LPG trade

Kenya’s Energy and Petroleum Cabinet Secretary Opiyo Wandayi has vowed to intensify crackdowns on illegal liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) operations, stating the government will not succumb to political pressure or allow cartels to profit from illicit trade. Wandayi emphasized that these enforcement actions are necessary to ensure public safety and are guided by the LPG National Growth Strategy and the Petroleum (Liquefied Petroleum Gas) (No. 2) Regulations, 2025.

The crackdown follows allegations from former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, who accused the government of harassing small-scale traders. Gachagua claimed that over 200,000 seized cylinders from Nairobi, Kiambu, Kajiado, and Machakos were diverted for political and commercial purposes, including alleged distribution during the Ol Kalou by-election. He further argued that these enforcement actions contradict President William Ruto’s previous commitments to make cooking gas more affordable.

Wandayi defended the operations, noting that the regulator works with the National Police Service and the Directorate of Criminal Investigations to combat illegal refilling. He maintained that all confiscated items follow due process, including inventorying in the presence of relevant authorities and operators.