(Nairobi) – The Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA) has trained 100 Nairobi City County officials to improve energy safety and compliance, addressing key challenges in the sector.
The Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA) has successfully trained 100 key stakeholders from the Nairobi City County government to improve consumer safety within the energy sector. The training aims to increase awareness of energy regulations, ensuring that energy and petroleum services in Nairobi are safer and more reliable.
The workshop, led by EPRA’s Department of Public Education and Advocacy, brought together a diverse group of officials from various departments of the Nairobi City County, including Trade, Licensing, and Enforcement, as well as National Government Administrative Officers (NGAOs). This collaboration is intended to foster a more integrated approach to safety and compliance in the energy sector.
During the workshop, CPA Cyprian Nyakundi, Director of Public Education, Advocacy, and Consumer Protection at EPRA, emphasized the significant role that county governments play in regulating energy-related activities, including licensing, surveillance, and enforcement. Nyakundi stressed that synergy between different stakeholders is crucial for ensuring better compliance and enhancing public safety in the energy sector.
“This workshop is important because it enables the sharing of information on emerging issues in the energy sector, which is key to ensuring a timely multi-agency response to prevent incidents,” Nyakundi said.
The workshop covered a range of pressing issues within the energy sector that present risks to public safety and regulatory compliance. Topics of discussion included dangerous practices such as cross-filling of Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) cylinders, a practice that compromises safety and cylinder integrity, and the operations of unlicensed retailers, transporters, and petroleum storage plants. These issues were identified as significant threats to both industry standards and consumer protection.
| Key Issues Discussed | Concerns Addressed |
|---|---|
| Cross-filling of LPG cylinders | Jeopardizes safety and cylinder integrity |
| Unlicensed operations | Involves retailers, transporters, and storage plants |
| Fuel syphoning dens | Contributes to illegal trade and environmental hazards |
| Under-dispensing at fuel stations | Erodes consumer trust and breaches regulatory standards |
| Fuel tanker accidents and improper parking | Poses safety risks to surrounding communities |
Another critical issue addressed during the training was the problem of fuel siphoning, which often takes place in illegal dens and contributes to illicit trade and environmental pollution. Additionally, under-dispensing at fuel stations, which can lead to financial losses and reduced consumer trust, was identified as a regulatory concern.
The workshop also covered the risks associated with fuel tanker accidents and improper parking, both of which pose significant safety hazards to local communities.