The Kenya Private Sector Alliance (KEPSA) has called upon the government to carry out thorough investigations on the Miradi Estate fire incident facility that occurred at Embakasi, Nairobi, and all illegal petroleum-related facilities in the country.
The Alliance, which sent a message of condolence to the families of the victims of the incident and wished quick recovery to those recuperating in hospitals from burn wounds and other related injuries, also urged the government to investigate unlicensed professionals involved in illegal activities.
In a press statement sent to newsrooms, KEPSA said it will fully support the initiative by extending professional support to the investigation team and told the government to hold their agencies accountable for any underperformance in their mandate.
KEPSA also urged the government to consider forming a petroleum taskforce to review the level of non-compliance and causes of non-compliance and develop recommendations for a way forward.
“The recommendations should include measures to enhance compliance levels, awareness of the hazards of Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG), and the development of acceptable and effective whistle-blowing mechanisms,” said the statement.
It was noted that the measures will allow members of the public to report cases of non-compliance with the capability to track action taken.
KEPSA said it takes cognizance of the existing legal and regulatory framework governing the petroleum sector, which outlines the need for safe handling and storage of all petroleum products, among them LPG.
The alliance emphasised the need to ensure that this effort does not bring harm to users and citizens or damage to properties and facilities.
“KEPSA is supporting businesses that comply with the Petroleum Act, 2019 and the Energy Liquefied Petroleum Gas EPRA Regulations, 2019,” said the statement, while calling on businesses and potential investors to obtain the necessary licensing for safe and sustainable operations.
Condoling the bereaved families, KEPSA said it is deeply saddened by the unfortunate fire incident that occurred in Miradi, on the night of Thursday, February 1, 2024, describing it as an unwarranted loss of life caused by the negligence of safety protocols undertaken by the business in question.
It further stated that the alliance takes note that the application for licensing of the subject facility had been turned down by the regulator, the Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA).
“We take note that there have been reported illegal activities in the petroleum sector that include illegal filling of cylinders and illegal operations that bear unacceptable risk to users and other stakeholders, such as neighbours,” warned KEPSA.
By Bernadette Khaduli
