The Kenyan government has announced ambitious plans to distribute 8.5 million liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) cylinders to low-income households, priced at just Ksh2,000. This initiative, developed in collaboration with Saudi Arabia, aims to significantly increase access to clean cooking fuel, benefiting millions of Kenyans.
Gideon Leparan Ole Morintat, CEO of the National Oil Corporation of Kenya (NOCK), revealed that this project is an extension of the Mwananchi Gas Project and seeks to elevate LPG penetration from 10% to an ambitious 70% within three years. “This initiative is crucial for improving the quality of life for Kenyans while reducing reliance on traditional fuels,” Morintat stated during the launch of the Makueni Energy Plan 2023-2032.
While the specific size of the cylinders has yet to be clarified, the government’s offer presents substantial savings compared to current market prices, where empty 6kg cylinders cost between Ksh1,600 and Ksh2,000.
On a broader scale, the government aims to increase average LPG consumption from 6.5 to 15 kilograms per capita over the next three years. Former Public Service Cabinet Secretary Moses Kuria emphasized, “Our goal is to transition 50% of Kenyans to cleaner cooking solutions, addressing both energy access and environmental concerns.”
The project also prioritizes women, youth, and people with disabilities, promoting entrepreneurship and creating job opportunities in the energy sector.
