Energy Cabinet Secretary Davis Chirchir has unveiled an initiative under President William Ruto’s free Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) plan, announcing the provision of various gas cylinders, including 1kg containers, to low-income households.

Following a stakeholder engagement, CS Chirchir emphasized the importance of offering smaller cylinders to address the high refilling costs that have hindered many families from accessing larger 6 and 13-kg gas cylinders.

“We want to ensure that there is a cylinder for everyone who lives below the line so that using LPG should not be an impediment on account of not having a cylinder,” stated Chirchir. Reflecting on past government programs, he highlighted the need for a more targeted approach to support those living below the poverty line.

The government is also working on granting the Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA) the authority to regulate gas prices, expanding its current role in fuel price regulation. CS Chirchir revealed plans for price discovery mechanisms and open tender regulations to ensure fair pricing in the gas sector.

The distribution of free gas cylinders is slated to commence this year, with a target of supplying over 60,000 cylinders to 4.5 million low-income homes by December. Additionally, the government aims to enhance LPG infrastructure in buildings, facilitating gas services in estates and households as part of the LPG Growth Policy.