The Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA) has intensified efforts to sensitize National Government Administrative Officers (NGAOs) on energy safety measures, highlighting the critical role administrators played in protecting the public from electricity and petroleum-related risks.
The initiative underscores the importance of structured enforcement at the grassroots to prevent accidents, safeguard infrastructure, and ensure compliance with national energy regulations.
The sensitization forum, held at Kericho Technical and Vocational College, brought together NGAO officers from across the county for a detailed engagement on energy safety. The forum aimed to reinforce compliance with the Energy Act, 2019 and related subsidiary regulations, while emphasizing coordinated action between field administrators and EPRA to curb unsafe practices in both electricity and petroleum sectors.
By linking regulatory oversight to practical enforcement, the forum sought to bridge gaps between national policy and local-level implementation.
The session focused on the urgent need to address illegal electricity connections, unlicensed petroleum operations, and unsafe energy installations that threaten lives and property. EPRA officials highlighted that without proactive involvement from NGAO officers, regulatory measures risked remaining theoretical, failing to reach the households, businesses, and communities most vulnerable to energy hazards.
County Commissioner Jeremiah Kicheru officially opened the forum, highlighting the National Government’s commitment to energy safety and regulatory compliance.
“Clean energy adoption must be deliberate, structured, and fully compliant with EPRA standards if we are to guarantee the safety of our people and protect the environment,” said Kicheru.
He further directed NGAO officers to take decisive enforcement action within their jurisdictions.
“I am calling upon all NGAO officers to enforce the Energy Act, 2019 and all regulations under EPRA without hesitation. Report illegal electricity tapping, shut down unlicensed LPG operations, and escalate unsafe practices to the relevant authorities immediately. Compliance is non-negotiable, and those who defy EPRA’s laws will face strict administrative and legal action,” Kicheru added.
EPRA Engineer Jonathan Rono outlined the Authority’s statutory mandate as the national regulator responsible for licensing energy sector players, enforcing safety and technical standards, protecting consumer interests, and ensuring compliance across the energy value chain.
“All electrical installations, solar projects, and petroleum operations must be executed strictly by EPRA-licensed contractors, technicians, and distributors,” said Rono. “Members of the public should verify the credentials of any professional through our official website or by dialing *363#. Verification is critical because it prevents electrical fires, system failures, explosions, and loss of life. EPRA remains fully committed to consumer protection through rigorous inspection, licensing, and enforcement, but public vigilance and administrative support are essential for this mission to succeed,” he said.
The forum also addressed challenges such as unauthorized construction near high-voltage power lines, improper fencing, and encroachment on electricity wayleaves with EPRA reminding the administrators that prompt reporting of such hazards, followed by escalation to the Authority where unresolved, is crucial in preventing accidents and ensuring uninterrupted energy supply.
In closing, the County Commissioner reaffirmed the National Government’s support for EPRA’s mandate and the need for sustained collaboration between regulators and administrators.
Structured collaboration between EPRA and NGAO officers remains essential to protecting lives, secure infrastructure, and promote the use of safe, reliable, and sustainable energy throughout the county. Through consistent enforcement, awareness, and compliance, energy safety could become a shared responsibility preventing disasters and fostering a culture of responsible energy use across communities.
