The Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA) has announced a groundbreaking initiative to combat LPG cylinder theft by deploying advanced tracking technology.

This move is designed to enhance security for consumers, investors, and other key players in the LPG sector.

EPRA Director General Daniel Kiptoo made the revelation during a meeting with Energy and Petroleum Cabinet Secretary Opiyo Wandayi.

Kiptoo confirmed, “The Authority is on course to roll out the cylinder track and trace technology as part of its strategy of utilising technology in implementing the strategy.”

The introduction of this technology coincides with the ongoing overhaul of the LPG Regulations 2019 (Legal Notice 100), which is a crucial element of EPRA’s comprehensive LPG growth strategy.

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This strategy, endorsed by the Cabinet in October 2023, aims to shift 80 per cent of the population from traditional biomass to cleaner LPG by 2026.

The ambitious growth strategy also targets increasing the average LPG consumption per person from 6.5 kg to 15 kg.

It focuses on several key areas, including improving LPG infrastructure, enhancing LPG availability in schools, subsidising cylinders, and advancing legal and regulatory reforms.

Wandayi underscored the urgency of these changes, stating, “Many Kenyans are either partially using LPG or relying entirely on firewood. This includes public institutions such as schools, prisons, hospitals, and state security agencies.”

He further added, “Our goal is to eliminate the negative environmental and health impacts associated with these practices.”

Addressing concerns about illegal refilling, Kiptoo revealed EPRA’s plan to work closely with other government agencies, including the Kenya Revenue Authority, to develop an integrated tracking system for bulk LPG road tankers.

“The Authority is in the process of engaging a service provider stationed at all the LPG entry points in Kenya to among other things undertake compliance verification of all LPG tankers entering the Country to the points of discharge of the bulk gas," Kiptoo explained.

“This shall ensure accountability of all cylinders being filled matches the bulk gas offloaded.”

With these initiatives, EPRA aims to reinforce the integrity of Kenya’s LPG distribution network and promote a safer, more efficient energy sector.