Sakaja Orders Closure of Gas Plants in Residential Estates in Nairobi
Governor Johnson Sakaja of Nairobi has mandated the shutdown of all gas enterprises situated in residential areas across the county.
Sakaja, while visiting the Embakasi Explosion site, announced that the instruction aims to improve the safety of residents in different neighborhoods in the capital of Kenya.
During his address, the county leader instructed sub-county officials to ensure the implementation of the directive.
“I want to assure Nairobians that the owners of the premises where the incident took place shall be held responsible and accountable.
“I have directed all sub-county administration officers to ensure all gas businesses operating within residential areas are closed with immediate effect,” he directed.
Additionally, the governor cautioned county officials against being negligent in their enforcement duties. He disclosed that he possessed a list of comparable locations, and emphasized that the owners would be held responsible if their operations were determined to be illegal.
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Sakaja also urged Kenyans to promptly report any gas leaks or the presence of unauthorized gas businesses in their neighborhoods.
Meanwhile, the governor emphasized that the local government would persist in assisting those impacted by the events on February 1st.
Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna stated that the Senate Energy Committee would request a compilation of gas refilling plants across the nation to ensure strict adherence to safety regulations.
The explosion in Embakasi has resulted in the loss of six lives, with more than 300 individuals receiving medical care at different city hospitals due to injuries.
The authorities, in contrast, have detained the individual in charge of the gas facility along with three officials from the National Environment Management Authority (NEMA).
A search operation is underway to locate two additional NEMA officials and two drivers who are alleged to have played a role in causing the explosion.
Sakaja Orders Closure of Gas Plants in Residential Estates in Nairobi