KILIFI, Kenya – The government has reaffirmed its commitment to creating an investor-friendly environment to stimulate private sector growth and job creation, particularly for Kenya’s growing youth population.
This pledge comes as part of efforts to foster economic development through the uptake of Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) as a cleaner, safer, and more affordable cooking fuel for households.
Speaking during his visit to the Lake Gas Site, Energy and Petroleum Cabinet Secretary Opiyo Wandayi emphasized the government’s focus on empowering private enterprises to drive innovation and expand distribution networks.
By involving private players in scaling up infrastructure, the government aims to reduce dependence on traditional fuels while promoting job creation within LPG supply chains and related industries.
Wandayi highlighted the progress of the Lake Gas facility, which is currently expanding its storage capacity.
The second phase of development will add 15,000 metric tons to the existing 10,000 metric tons, increasing the total storage capacity to 25,000 metric tons upon completion.
This expansion is seen as a crucial step toward ensuring a stable and reliable supply of LPG across the country, ultimately driving down the cost of LPG for consumers.
“The forces of demand and supply will ultimately determine the price, and that’s the goal—affordable LPG for all,” Wandayi stated, noting that the first vessel of LPG will arrive in two weeks, marking the opening of the facility.
Principal Secretary for Petroleum Mohamed Liban stressed the importance of collaboration among all stakeholders to achieve sustainable progress in expanding LPG access.
“We must bring local and international stakeholders together to create a common user facility that empowers local capacity,” Liban said.
Kilifi County Governor Gideon Mung’aro also underscored the county’s commitment to fostering a conducive environment for investment, while encouraging investors to prioritize local employment.
He urged companies to provide training for local youth to equip them with the technical skills needed in the industry.
Moris Mutiso, the Manager of Supply and Operations at Lake Gas, assured that the company is committed to empowering the local community by recruiting at least 70% of the workforce from Kilifi County.
He also estimated that the project would generate over 1,000 indirect employment opportunities in transport, logistics, and support services, further contributing to local economic development.
