Energy CS Wandayi says gov't committed to investor-friendly environment in LPG sector

The pledge, aimed at unlocking the potential of private enterprise, aims to catalyse job creation, especially for the nation’s growing youth population.

Speaking during his visit to Lake Gas Site, Energy and Petroleum Cabinet Secretary Opiyo Wandayi, noted that this is a national effort to accelerate the uptake of Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) as a cleaner, safer, and more affordable cooking fuel for households across the country.

By enabling private players to scale innovation, distribution networks, and infrastructure, the government aims to reduce dependence on traditional fuels but also to stimulate job creation, LPG supply chains, and related industries.

“We are here to do a site visit to assess this LPG facility's preparedness for the arrival of the first vessel carrying LPG gas,” Wandayi said.

The facility has already entered its second phase of development, which involves the construction of an additional 15,000 metric tons of LPG storage capacity. This comes on top of the existing 10,000 metric tons, bringing the total storage capacity to 25,000 metric tons upon completion.

The expansion marks a major step toward strengthening the country’s energy infrastructure and will play a critical role in ensuring a stable, reliable supply of LPG to households and businesses nationwide.

The CS noted the development will enable reduction of the ultimate cost of the product to citizens. 

“If we open up this space to more people to bring in LPG and for more volumes to flow in, ultimately, the forces of demand and supply will set in, and the price will reach its level, where it should be. And that's what we need,” he said.

The CS also highlighted that the first vessel will be arriving in two weeks, which would mark the opening of the facility.

The Principal Secretary for Petroleum, Mohamed Liban, emphasized the need for collective effort among the sector’s stakeholders to achieve meaningful and sustainable progress in expanding LPG access across the country.

“By bringing all stakeholders on board, both local and international, we can consolidate our efforts and move forward together to establish a common user facility that empowers local capacity,” he said.

Liban added that the ministry is working collectively to accelerate the implementation of the LPG growth strategy across the country.

“It is only through such partnerships that we can achieve lasting impact and ensure that no one is left behind in our journey toward clean and affordable energy access,” Liban noted.

Kilifi County Governor Gideon Mung’aro emphasized the County’s commitment to creating a conducive environment for investment, while urging the investors to operate within the confines of the law and to prioritize employment opportunities for local youth.

Mung’aro encouraged companies like Lake Gas to consider training local youth where specific technical skills may be lacking. 

“Our young people are intelligent and capable; they can be trained and quickly adapt to industry demands,” he added.

Moris Mutiso, the Manager of Supply and Operations at Lake Gas, said the company is committed to empowering the local community. 

“We have already put in place mechanisms to ensure that at least 70% of the workforce operating at this facility will be recruited from Kilifi County,” he assured.

According to Mutiso, the regular movement of trucks transporting LPG will generate numerous indirect jobs in areas such as transport, logistics, and support services. 

He estimated that over 1,000 indirect employment opportunities will be created as a result of the project.