Newly licensed autogas stations in Kenya will be required to provide electric vehicle charging facilities under a new regulatory framework published by the Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA).
The EV chargers at LPG stations are set to make better use of space and make it easier to expand the country’s EV charging network.For safety purposes, the chargers will be kept away from areas where LPG could leak or ignite, following strict distance rules from fuel tanks and electrical systems.EPRA’s directive is part of a broader set of guidelines meant to formalize operations in the growing autogas sector, which now counts an estimated 15,000 vehicles and 17 LPG stations as of June last year.
Under the new regulations, developers must also obtain a construction permit from EPRA before building or modifying a dispensing site. The licenses will only be issued on the assessment of safety standards such as corrosion-protected storage tanks, remote shut-off valves, vapor release systems, and staff training protocols. The guidelines also specify that autogas stations are not authorized to refill LPG cylinders. The retailers are also required to display pump prices in Kenyan Shillings per liter.
Retrofitting vehicles with LPG systems must be done by EPRA-approved workshops using equipment that meets local and international specifications. The retrofits must have components such as multivalve systems, solenoid shut-off valves, pressure regulators, and leak detection mechanisms. Vehicles must also be refueled in ventilated areas and are prohibited from underground parking or exposure to ignition sources.
The workshops will be required to submit monthly reports to EPRA containing retrofit data, including vehicle registration details, installation dates, and container serial numbers. Additionally, any accidents involving LPG, resulting in injury, destruction of property or environmental damage, must be reported to the Authority within 48 hours.
EPRA will maintain a public register of licensed facilities and will review the guidelines every three years or as needed.