The Mombasa County government has accelerated inspections against gas businesses to avert possible life-threatening incidents in the county.
The 24-hour multi-agency operation is spearheaded by Mombasa Governor Abdulswamad Sharif Nassir.
Speaking in Mombasa, Nassir noted that the County government was equally shocked by the recent Embakasi fire incident in Nairobi that was caused by a leaking gas trailer.
Seven people succumbed, and over 250 others are still nursing serious injuries following the incident.
The government was blamed for laxity and condoning graft since the gas plant was operating in residential area.
Nassir said such an ugly incident should act as caution to urban counties among them Mombasa where there is an influx of gas business establishments.
The governor, accompanied by his Lands, Housing, and Urban renewal County Executive Committee Member (CECM) Mohammed Hussein, said that the county government will relentlessly hasten the operation until all gas businesses fully abide by the set safety rules.
“We have employed concerted efforts where the Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority is fully involved together with NEMA, security agencies among other partners we should stop any recklessly operated gas businesses,” noted Nassir.
The Mombasa governor noted that some some gas retail shops and petrol stations have been operating in residential areas threatening the lives of locals.
“Some gas businesses in all the six Sub counties of Jomvu, Changamwe, Likoni, Nyali, Kisauni and Mvita have circumvented the provided safety guidelines, we have given the owners specific timelines to ensure all the safety guidelines are in place, failure to that we will shut down those businesses,” said Nassir.
The governor also put on notice corrupt county officials and those under the national government agencies, saying those who will be caught will be punished.
The Mombasa County Chief also warned gas suppliers, saying they must adhere to all guidelines surrounding gas businesses and immediately stop supplying the products to businesses located in residential areas.
The inspection is targeting gas retail shops and petrol stations in the entire Mombasa County.
