Government Drops ‘Free Gas’ Plan, Shifts to Subsidised Cylinder Programme

Kenya, 11 November 2205 - The government has revised its much, publicised plan to distribute free cooking gas cylinders to Kenyan households, opting instead for a subsidised purchase system aimed at ensuring long-term affordability and sustainability.

The change was confirmed by Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA) Director General Daniel Kiptoo on Monday when he appeared before the Senate Standing Committee on Energy. The clarification marks a significant departure from the original promise made by President William Ruto during the 2022 election campaigns, when he pledged that vulnerable families would receive free gas cylinders under the administration’s clean cooking initiative.

According to Kiptoo, while the government remains committed to helping low-income households transition from charcoal and kerosene to clean cooking energy, the original plan of distributing free cylinders had proven financially and operationally unsustainable.

“Our intention was never to abandon the poor,” Kiptoo told senators. “However, full subsidies create room for misuse and are difficult to sustain. By introducing partial subsidies, we can reach more families while maintaining accountability and ensuring programme continuity.”

Under the new framework, the government will supply gas cylinders and refills at subsidised rates, allowing more households to access clean cooking energy without completely depending on government handouts. EPRA said the focus now shifts from free distribution to affordable access, ensuring the programme can be scaled up nationwide.

Kiptoo explained that the decision aligns with the broader energy transition agenda, which seeks to reduce deforestation caused by charcoal use, lower household emissions, and improve health outcomes by reducing indoor air pollution.

“The clean energy transition is not just about distribution,it’s about building a sustainable ecosystem for safe and affordable LPG use,” he said.

In parallel with the subsidy rollout, EPRA has intensified enforcement operations targeting illegal LPG refilling and counterfeit cylinders across the country. Kiptoo revealed that the agency’s enforcement teams have already conducted several raids, resulting in the confiscation of hundreds of fake cylinders and the closure of multiple unlicensed plants.

The move follows growing concerns about safety risks linked to counterfeit cylinders and unsafe refilling practices, which have led to several deadly gas explosions in recent years.

“We are dealing with a network of cartels operating illegal refilling sites, some in residential areas,” Kiptoo said. “Our teams are working with the police to dismantle these operations and hold the culprits accountable. Every cylinder on the market must be genuine and meet our safety standards.”