Kenyans will now be required to install Liquified Petroleum Gas (LPG) pipes and taps, all of which should be incorporated in building designs before approval, following cabinet resolutions passed on Monday.
In a Cabinet dispatch sent to Kenyans.co.ke, State House said the proposal will be a requirement for all houses being constructed under the Affordable Housing program.
“The proposals will further encompass establishing common-user LPG import terminals, distributing subsidized LPG cylinders to low-income households, promoting the use of LPG in institutions, facilitated by partnerships with finance institutions,” the cabinet dispatch reads.
The changes are part of a cooking gas Growth Policy that the cabinet approved on Monday that seeks to transition Kenyan households from using traditional fuels to modern and efficient Liquified Petroleum Gas (LPG).
President William Ruto chairs a Cabinet meeting at the Kisumu State Lodge on October 9, 2023.
PCS
State House revealed that the proposed interventions include; establishing common-user LPG import terminals, distributing subsidised cylinders to poor households, and promoting LPG use in educational institutions and within affordable housing units.
While making the proposal, Cabinet observed that as it stands, 70 percent of Kenyans rely on inefficient and polluting biomass and kerosene for cooking.
Among President Ruto’s promises was to abolish VAT on gas cylinders which would lead to a drastic decrease in the prices by almost half.
The government said that the proposals aim to reduce consumer prices, enhance transparency, and improve public safety, contributing to public health and environmental sustainability.
During the Cabinet meeting held at Kisumu State Lodge, the executive also resolved to write off a Ksh117 billion debt public sugar mills owe the government following Parliament approval.
As such Treasury is working on waiving tax penalties and interest within 30 days following Cabinet resolutions.
Following the decision, the government is planning to announce when it will pay farmers’ arrears within three months.
The government is also expected to table proposals guiding leasing 5 state-owned sugar mills in a month.
File photo of Gas Cylinders on display at an outlet in Nairobi City
Photo
EPRA
