The Kenyan government has reversed its promise of free gas cylinders for vulnerable households, announcing they will now be offered at subsidised prices to ensure programme sustainability and prevent misuse. This shift from President William Ruto’s 2022 campaign pledge comes amidst a nationwide crackdown on illegal gas dealers and counterfeit LPG cylinders.

• The decision was announced by Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA) Director General Daniel Kiptoo before the Senate Standing Committee on Energy.
• Kiptoo stated, “Our goal is affordability and safety, not free distribution. The subsidy ensures access while enabling EPRA to sustain the program.”
• EPRA has intensified efforts against cartels involved in illegal gas refilling, with enforcement teams dispatched to dismantle operations and confiscate unlawful cylinders.
• Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna questioned EPRA on safety guarantees as institutions transition to LPG, citing the Embakasi explosion.
• Senators toured EPRA’s storage site, where seized illegal cylinders are held pending legal action.