OL KALOU, Kenya- The government has launched a subsidised liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) programme targeting 20,000 households in Ol Kalou Constituency, less than two weeks before the July 16 parliamentary by-election, as campaigns by the ruling United Democratic Alliance (UDA) gather momentum.
Former Public Service Cabinet Secretary Moses Kuria, accompanied by Petroleum Principal Secretary Kello Harsama, Energy Principal Secretary Alex Wachira and Blue Economy Principal Secretary Betsy Muthoni, flagged off the distribution of the subsidised cooking gas cylinders.
According to Kuria, the initiative aims to help families transition from using firewood and charcoal to cleaner cooking energy, reducing exposure to smoke-related health risks while cutting the cost of household fuel.
He said the programme would also reduce pressure on forests and save families the time and expense associated with sourcing firewood and charcoal.
The distribution is part of a broader government campaign in the constituency ahead of the by-election, where UDA candidate Samuel Muchina is seeking to retain the seat for the ruling party.
Kuria said continued support for the candidate would pave the way for more development projects in the area.
The LPG rollout comes amid an intensified government presence in Ol Kalou, where residents have in recent weeks also received free mattresses and other household items, while prizes have been awarded during sporting activities organised in the constituency as political campaigns intensify.
The Ol Kalou by-election has attracted national attention and is widely viewed as a key political contest ahead of the 2027 General Election, with UDA seeking to defend the seat against a strong challenge from the opposition.