22nd November 2024, Nairobi, Kenya, In a bid to enhance the safety and welfare of energy consumers in Nairobi, the Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA) has trained 100 key stakeholders within the Nairobi City County government.
The workshop aims to bolster awareness and compliance in the energy and petroleum sectors, ensuring safer and more reliable services for all.
The workshop has brought together officials from Nairobi City County departments such as Trade, Licensing, and Enforcement, along with National Government Administrative Officers (NGAO), under the leadership of EPRA’s Department of Public Education and Advocacy.
During the workshop, CPA Cyprian Nyakundi, the Director of Public Education, Advocacy, and Consumer Protection, stated: “County governments play a significant role in licensing, surveillance, and enforcement. We must combine our efforts to enhance our effectiveness and improve compliance and safety.”
“This workshop is therefore important because it enables information sharing on emerging issues in the sector, which is key in ensuring a timely multi-agency response to avert incidents.”
The workshop tackled pressing issues within the energy sector that pose significant risks to public safety and regulatory compliance.
Key topics included cross-filling LPG cylinders, a practice that jeopardizes safety and cylinder integrity, and unlicensed operations, including retailers, transporters, and petroleum storage plants, which undermine industry standards and consumer protection.
Additionally, the discussion addressed the challenges of fuel syphoning dens, which contribute to illegal trade and environmental hazards, and under-dispensing at fuel stations, an issue that undermines consumer trust.
Discussions also focused on the risks associated with fuel tanker accidents and improper parking, which pose significant safety hazards to communities.
By forging partnerships with Nairobi County and other stakeholders, EPRA seeks to create a culture of compliance that prioritizes consumer safety while promoting efficient energy use.
