The government has shut down 49 unauthorized gas filling plants among the 138 that hold licenses following the devastating LPG explosion in Embakasi’s Mradi area earlier this month which resulted in the deaths of 10 people.

Energy Cabinet Secretary David Chirchir announced the closures on Thursday during separate appearances before the National Assembly’s Departmental Committee on Energy and the Senate Standing Committee on Energy.

Chirchir, Petroleum PS Mohamed Liban and EPRA Director General Daniel Kiptoo had been summoned by the two committees to shed light on various aspects surrounding gas filling plants, including the rationale behind establishing LPG facilities near human settlements.

"The question of operation in settlements... how do we make sure the gas is available where we live?" Chirchir posed.

"All the facilities within 200 metres of residential areas have been sealed and shut down since the incident occurred," Kiptoo added.

Concerns regarding compensation for the Embakasi gas explosion victims were raised by legislators, who questioned why affected individuals were left to bear the burden of the avoidable incident.

"People have lost property and EPRA has a responsibility but I didn’t hear you mention anything. What have you done for the affected?" Narok Senator Ledama Ole Kina posed.

Chirchir and co. were also tasked with providing details on the cause of the Embakasi explosion, the unlicensed LPG entity involved, measures against illegal operations, legal actions against culprits, and long-term solutions.

"We did suspend the licenses as administrative licences," said Kiptoo.

To prevent future incidents, EPRA emphasized strict measures, including the suspension of non-compliant facilities, fast-tracking criminal cases, engaging law enforcement, and collaborating with various agencies for intelligence sharing and enforcement actions.