The Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA) has revealed that the Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) storage and filling plant in Mradi area, Embakasi, Nairobi where a gas explosion killed three people was illegal.
In a statement, EPRA further disclosed that they rejected application permits for the construction on March, 19, June 20, and 31st July 2023 since it did not meet the needed safety measures.
The gas refilling plant which exploded on Thursday night injuring over 280 people and killing three, failed to meet safety provisions as the place was densely populated.
“The energy regulatory authority noted the high population near the proposed plant site and was asked to present a Qualitative Risk Assessment (QRA) but declined and instead implemented the project using back door,” read part of the statement.
EPRA futher reiterated that the management of the LPG storage never provided a Qualitative Risk Assessment which helps indicate the effect of a typical blast and offers a review of the safety of the outskirts.
The gas plant operated for six months without having fulfilled the required safety measures.
EPRA has vowed to undertake detailed technical audits of all licensed LPG plants in the country to ensure high safety integrity status in terms of Health, Safety, Security and Environment.
At least three people died and several injured in the Thursday night’s explosion in Embakasi near the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA).
