The Energy Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA) has confirmed that the gas filling station in Embakasi, Nairobi where an explosion occurred on Thursday night was operating illegally.
EPRA says it had rejected all applications for construction permits for a Liquefied Petroleum Gas storage and filling plant at Mradi area in Embakasi, Nairobi County for several reasons among them the high population density in the area.
EPRA in a statement issued on Friday noted that it received applications on 19th March 2023, 20th June 2023, and 31st July 2023.
The Authority however said that it rejected all applications as they did not meet the set criteria for an LPG storage and filling plant in that area.
EPRA noted that the main reason for the rejection was failure of the designs to meet the safety distances stipulated in the Kenya Standard.
EPRA noted that the applicant was requested to submit a Qualitative Risk Assessment (QRA) clearly indicating the radiation blast profiles in the unfortunate case of an explosion, given the high population density around the proposed site.
“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,” said EPRA.
By Mourice SerettaÂ
Comment here