The government has launched an ambitious clean energy initiative with the installation of a Sh40 billion Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) storage facility in Kitui County. The project, which is being implemented by the Ministry of Energy and Petroleum, is expected to revolutionize access to clean cooking gas for households, schools, and public institutions across the region.
Energy and Petroleum Cabinet Secretary Opiyo Wandayi made the announcement during an inspection tour at Kitui Teachers Training College, where the construction of the 40,000-metric-tonne storage facility is underway. He said the project will make it easier for Kitui residents to access affordable and safe LPG, reducing dependence on charcoal and firewood while protecting the environment.
“The goal is to ensure that every household, school, and public institution can easily access clean energy. Affordability and accessibility are at the heart of our strategy. By building infrastructure and encouraging competition, we will lower prices and increase supply. This is how we plan to secure clean energy for all Kenyans while protecting our forests and environment,” said Wandayi.
The Cabinet Secretary added that the Ministry of Energy and Petroleum plans to distribute over 24,000 gas cylinders across Kitui’s eight constituencies to enhance access at the grassroots level. This move is expected to enable families to transition from traditional fuels to clean energy sources, improving household health and cutting costs associated with biomass use.
Wandayi was accompanied by senior officials from the ministry during his visit, which coincided with preparations for this year’s Energy Week. The event will be held at the same college between October 13 and 17 and will showcase clean energy innovations and sustainable solutions. This year’s Energy Week also aligns with the Mashujaa Day national celebrations, whose theme is “Clean Energy,” and which will be hosted in Kitui County and presided over by President William Ruto.
The Ministry of Energy is working closely with key state corporations such as the Kenya Power and Lighting Company (KPLC), Kenya Electricity Transmission Company (KETRACO), and Kenya Pipeline Company (KPC) in spearheading the clean energy agenda. These agencies are also supporting the Mashujaa Day celebrations and collaborating to improve access to modern energy across the country.
As part of its contribution, the Kenya Pipeline Company is drilling and installing a solar-powered borehole at Kitui Teachers Training College. The borehole will serve both the institution and the surrounding community, providing a reliable source of clean water. Wandayi noted that the solarized system represents the government’s commitment to integrating renewable energy solutions into public infrastructure.
The Petroleum Department will also ensure that the college kitchens are connected directly to the new LPG storage facility, allowing the institution to fully transition from fossil fuels to clean cooking gas. In addition, a 20-meter-high lighting mast is being installed at the college to enhance safety and improve the learning environment for students.
Wandayi emphasized that these projects are in line with the government’s commitment to transform lives through sustainable energy solutions. He said the Ministry is not only focused on expanding infrastructure but also on ensuring that rural communities benefit from energy development through employment, business opportunities, and improved quality of life.
The Sh40 billion LPG storage facility is one of the largest investments of its kind in the region. Once completed, it will play a key role in stabilizing gas supply chains and reducing reliance on coastal storage facilities. This decentralization is expected to bring down transportation costs, lower consumer prices, and make LPG more readily available to communities in Eastern Kenya.
Economically, the project is expected to generate new opportunities for local contractors, suppliers, and traders involved in construction, logistics, and gas distribution. For Kitui County, which has long faced environmental challenges such as deforestation and aridity, the project marks a major step forward in the adoption of green energy technologies that support both livelihoods and conservation efforts.
The initiative also aligns with Kenya’s national goals under Vision 2030 and the global push for clean and sustainable energy. With the government prioritizing universal access to modern energy services, the Kitui project is a strong indicator that Kenya is positioning itself as a leader in renewable and clean energy development in Africa.
As Kitui hosts this year’s Mashujaa Day celebrations, the county stands at the center of a national shift toward sustainability. The Sh40 billion LPG storage facility is more than an infrastructure project; it is a symbol of transformation, progress, and commitment to a cleaner future. Through government collaboration, community engagement, and technological innovation, Kenya is demonstrating that clean energy can drive economic growth, improve livelihoods, and protect the environment for generations to come.
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