NAIROBI February 2-The Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (Epra) has vehemently absolved itself from blame on the gas explosion in Embakasi in Nairobi.
In a statement, the authority said it received three applications to build a liquefied petroleum gas storage at the within Embakasi but declined all on grounds that they did not meet stipulated safety distances in the area.
“Applications for construction permits for a Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) storage and filling plant at the site were received by EPRA on March 19, June 20 and July 31, 2023. All applications were rejected as they did not meet the set criteria for an LPG storage and filling plant in that area,” said Epra.
The authority added: “The main reason for the rejection was failure of the designs to meet the safety distances stipulated in the Kenya Standard. EPRA noted the high population density around the proposed site”.
It said the applicant was requested to submit a Qualitative Risk Assessment clearly indicating the radiation blast profiles in the unfortunate case of an explosion but the same was not provided.
“The blast profiles are simulated by use of computer software and indicate the effect of a typical blast in terms of heat radiation and tremor/vibration and are useful in reviewing the safety of the surrounding areas,” Epra said.
As the regulator, Epra said it has formulated short and medium-term measures to ensure safety of all LPG plants in the country is guaranteed. This is through actions such as undertaking detailed technical audits of all licensed LPG plants in the country with the objective of ensuring high safety integrity status in terms of Health, Safety, Security and Environment (HSSE).
“Administrative actions are always taken to ensure that operating licenses for all plants rated below the high safety integrity status are revoked,” it added.
At least three people have been confirmed dead and 280 injured and admitted in different hospitals within Nairobi.
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