EPRA: Gas Station in Embakasi Explosion Was Operating Illegally

EPRA has disclosed that the gas filling station in Embakasi, Nairobi, where a devastating explosion occurred on Thursday night, was operating without proper authorization.

The regulatory authority stated that it had rejected all applications for construction permits for a Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) storage and filling plant in the Mradi area of Embakasi, Nairobi County, citing various reasons, including the area’s high population density.

EPRA explained in a statement issued on Friday that it received applications on March 19th, June 20th, and July 31st of 2023. However, all of these applications were rejected as they failed to meet the established criteria for an LPG storage and filling plant in that location. The primary reason for rejection was cited as the failure of the designs to comply with the safety distances mandated in the Kenya Standard.

The authority specified that the applicant was asked to submit a Qualitative Risk Assessment (QRA), detailing the potential impact of an explosion given the dense population surrounding the proposed site. EPRA emphasized the importance of QRA, as it simulates blast profiles using computer software to assess the effects of heat radiation and tremors, crucial for evaluating surrounding safety.

Despite requests, the applicant failed to provide the requested QRA, leading to the rejection of the applications. EPRA asserted its commitment to ensuring the safety of all LPG plants nationwide through various measures, including detailed technical audits of licensed plants to uphold high safety standards.

Administrative actions are taken to revoke licenses for plants deemed below the required safety integrity status, alongside surveillance and enforcement efforts to dismantle illegal plants and combat sector malpractices.

The explosion has tragically resulted in three confirmed fatalities, with nearly 300 individuals sustaining injuries.