Government Changes Tune on Ruto's ‘Free Gas Cylinders’ Promise, Says Kenyans Will Now Pay Subsidised Prices

The Kenyan government has changed its plan on the distribution of gas cylinders that were earlier promised to be given out for free to low-income families.

The Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA) has now announced that the cylinders will be sold at subsidised prices instead of being distributed freely. 

This new decision marks a major shift from the pledge made during the 2022 election campaigns when President William Ruto and his team promised free gas cylinders to help poor households shift from charcoal and kerosene to clean cooking energy.

EPRA Director General Daniel Kiptoo explained that the move aims to make the project sustainable and to prevent misuse of government resources. Speaking during a session with the Senate Committee on Energy, Kiptoo said that the goal is to make cooking gas affordable and safe, not necessarily free.

“Our focus is on safety and affordability. The subsidy will make it easier for families to access gas while ensuring that the program can continue in the long term,” he said.

At the same time, EPRA has started a countrywide crackdown on illegal gas refilling stations and counterfeit cylinders. 

Kiptoo said many of these illegal dealers are putting lives at risk through unsafe refilling methods. 

Enforcement teams have already raided several unlicensed sites, confiscated fake cylinders, and arrested those involved.

He added that every gas cylinder sold in Kenya must meet safety standards to prevent explosions and fire accidents. 

“We are determined to remove all fake cylinders from the market. This is not just about rules; it’s about protecting lives,” Kiptoo added.

During the meeting, Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna asked EPRA to explain how it will guarantee public safety, especially in schools and markets where many people are now switching to LPG. 

He reminded the authority of the Embakasi gas explosion, which killed and injured several people earlier in the year.

In response, Kiptoo assured the Senate that strict safety inspections have been increased across the country and that the agency will not allow unlicensed operators to continue risking lives.

The clarification now means Kenyans will still benefit from cheaper cooking gas — but not for free as earlier promised during the Kenya Kwanza campaigns.