Govt Targets 6M Kenyans With Ksh1,500 Gas Cylinders Plus Burners; Rules & Requirement

The government has unveiled plans to distribute 6kg cooking gas cylinders and their accessories to 6 million households in the country at a subsidized fee of Ksh1,500.

The Gas Yetu initiative was officially launched during the Mashujaa Day Celebrations held in Kitui County.

In a follow-up communication through MyGov on Tuesday, October 21, the government announced that the project is to be implemented by the National Oil Corporation of Kenya (NOC), in collaboration with the State Department for Petroleum.

The project will target low and middle-income households across the country, with the target being individuals who use kerosene, charcoal, and firewood to cook.

"In the initiative, citizens get Gas Yetu kit, which includes a 6kg Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) cylinder, a burner, and a grill, all offered at a subsidized price of Ksh1,500. Currently, the cost of a 6kg LPG kit (cylinder + grill + burner) is Ksh5,100.

"The kit is available to any citizen who has a National ID, and they are eligible to purchase one cylinder at designated distributors, retailers, and last-mile agents in every constituency," read the notice in part.

According to Leparan Gideon ole Morintat, the Managing Director of NOC, the government is currently carrying out identification, registration, and vetting of Gas Yetu program beneficiaries in all constituencies.

The registration is being done by NOC clerks and appointed distributors.

Already 24,000 cylinders have been distributed to households in Kitui County.

Through the project, the government aims to increase LPG penetration from the current 10% to 70% by 2028.

How the Cylinders Will Be Distributed and Refilled

In the plan, the distribution of the cylinders will be conducted through youth and women’s groups, who will be designated as retailers and distributors across all constituencies.

The groups, which will also be supported by NOC will provide logistical assistance and repairs for faulty cylinders.

"NOC will establish a distribution network in every constituency. The program will have an LPG distributor in every constituency who will work with at least 100 resellers. LPG distributors and resellers are from women and youth groups," NOC MD added.

How the Safety of the Cylinders is Ensured

Every kit is KEBS certified and complies with LPG and petroleum safety standards. Also, NOC ensures that all beneficiaries are trained in safe usage, storage, and handling.

"To ensure safety and consistency, the Gas Yetu cylinders are refilled at designated points and exchanges with other brands are not permitted," NOC added.