The national government, through the Ministry of Energy and Petroleum, has commenced the installation of a 40,000-metric-tonne ultra-modern Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) storage facility in Kitui County, a landmark project aimed at expanding access to clean and affordable energy.
Energy and Petroleum Cabinet Secretary Opiyo Wandayi made the announcement during an inspection tour at the Kitui Teachers Training College (KTTC), where the LPG facility is being constructed. The initiative aligns with this year’s Mashujaa Day theme, which focuses on “Transforming Lives through Sustainable Energy Solutions.”
CS Wandayi emphasized that the government’s goal is to ensure every household, school, and public institution in Kitui has access to safe and affordable cooking gas. “Affordability and accessibility are at the heart of our strategy. By building infrastructure and encouraging competition, we will lower prices and increase supply. This is how we plan to secure clean energy for all Kenyans while protecting our forests and environment,” said Wandayi.
As part of the initiative, the Ministry will distribute over 24,000 gas cylinders to residents across Kitui’s eight constituencies. The Cabinet Secretary, accompanied by senior officials from his ministry, also inspected preparations for the upcoming Energy Week scheduled from October 13 to 17 at KTTC — an event that will precede the national Mashujaa Day celebrations to be held in Kitui County and presided over by President Dr. William Ruto.
During his visit, Wandayi revealed that the Ministry is collaborating with Kenya Power, KETRACO, and Kenya Pipeline Company (KPC) to enhance energy access and improve livelihoods. He further noted that KPC has installed a solar-powered borehole and a 20-meter-high lighting mast at KTTC, while the State Department for Petroleum will provide infrastructure to connect the institution’s kitchens directly to the new LPG facility, transitioning them fully to clean energy.
The project marks a major milestone in Kenya’s efforts to promote clean energy, reduce deforestation, and support the country’s sustainable development agenda.
