The Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA) has kicked off a series of public consultations on seven draft regulations and the Petroleum (Amendment) Bill, 2025, aimed at strengthening oversight of Kenya’s upstream and midstream petroleum sector.
Speaking during a consultative forum with industry players and members of the public at a Mombasa hotel, EPRA Director for Petroleum and Gas, Eng. Edward Pinyo, said the proposed regulations are critical in preparing the country for full-scale oil production.
“We are at the Coast to conduct public participation on the seven upstream regulations developed to govern the petroleum sector. The Petroleum Act 2019 mandates EPRA to regulate upstream petroleum, including issuing non-exclusive exploration permits, drilling permits, and approving field development plans,” Eng. Pinyo explained.
He noted that since the 2012 oil discovery, the government has been putting in place a regulatory framework to support commercial production, with field development plans submitted in December 2021 and revised in March 2023.
According to the Director, the new legislation seeks to safeguard local content, protect the environment, health and safety, regulate access to land for petroleum development, and ensure only prudent costs are recovered by contractors.
Eng. Pinyo assured stakeholders and the public that their views will be incorporated before the regulations are finalized and submitted for gazettement.
During the forum, Susan Muthoni a representative from the Kenya Association of Manufacturers, urged EPRA to work closely with other agencies, including the Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA) and county governments, to enhance road safety in petroleum transportation.
“EPRA should work with county governments, KeNHA and other agencies to ensure there are designated areas for tankers to avoid catastrophe on our highways,” said Muthoni.
By Sitati Reagan
