County security teams put on notice over petroleum safety breaches

By Fatuma Said (KNA)

County security teams have been directed to step up enforcement of petroleum laws and regulations as the government moves to curb rising safety violations in the petroleum and Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) sectors.

Principal Secretary for Petroleum, Kello Harsama, said stronger enforcement and closer coordination between national and county agencies are crucial to protecting lives, property and the integrity of Kenya’s petroleum supply chain.

Speaking in Nairobi during a sensitisation workshop bringing together the Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA) and County Security Committees, Harsama warned that unsafe handling, storage and transportation of petroleum products continue to pose serious risks to communities and businesses.

He said petroleum-related incidents can lead to loss of life, destruction of property, environmental degradation and disruption of economic activities while straining emergency response systems.

“Our responsibility is to ensure that the growth of the petroleum and LPG sectors goes hand in hand with public safety, regulatory compliance and responsible business practices,” said Harsama.

The PS challenged County Security Committees to work closely with chiefs, assistant chiefs, county governments, community leaders and industry players to identify safety risks and take action before they escalate into major incidents.

He also called for intensified public awareness campaigns through barazas and community engagements to educate residents on the dangers of illegal fuel storage, unlicensed petroleum businesses, unsafe LPG installations and improper handling of petroleum products.

Harsama urged security agencies to encourage members of the public to report suspicious activities and safety violations, saying community vigilance remains a key pillar in preventing accidents.

The PS further raised concern over rapid urban expansion that has brought petroleum facilities closer to homes, schools, markets and other public spaces, increasing safety risks.

He called on county governments, in collaboration with EPRA and planning authorities, to strictly enforce zoning regulations governing the location of petroleum and LPG facilities.

At the same time, Harsama urged counties to designate land for petroleum tanker parking yards, citing the growing practice of drivers parking tankers in residential areas, along roadsides and at fuel stations while in transit.

He said the proposed facilities would reduce risks to communities, improve traffic management and enhance the safe transportation of petroleum products.

The PS asked county security teams to translate the workshop’s resolutions into concrete enforcement actions aimed at improving compliance and supporting the safe growth of Kenya’s petroleum sector.

Ends