Proto Energy, in partnership with OLA Energy, has launched a strategic initiative to expand the use of Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) for vehicles in Kenya, marking a major step in the country’s transition to cleaner, more sustainable energy.
The collaboration aims to increase access to affordable, reliable LPG solutions while supporting the government’s target of 70 percent LPG penetration by 2028.
Speaking at the launch, Joel Kamau, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Proto Energy, outlined the initiative’s focus which include expanding the footprint of autogas stations and converting more vehicles to LPG.
“For us to be able to do that for LPG in terms of autogas, it’s about only two things: how we increase our footprint of autogas stations and how many vehicles we convert,” Kamau posited.
He underscored the vast untapped potential in Kenya’s autogas market stating, “Globally, there are 70,000 stations selling autogas and nearly 27 million vehicles using it. In Kenya, however, we have just 35 stations and roughly 15,000 to 20,000 vehicles using LPG. We are scratching the surface, but this partnership allows us to fast-track adoption because OLA already has a footprint across the country.
Additionally, Kamau highlighted the economic benefits for vehicle owners, emphasizing that conversion costs are quickly recovered through fuel savings.
“It takes Sh67,000 to convert a petrol vehicle to LPG. For PSVs, they recover this cost in about 30 days due to fuel savings, while smaller vehicles like Ubers recover in two to three months. This makes LPG conversion one of the highest-return investments for drivers and fleet operators,” explained the CEO.
He also pointed out the environmental advantages of LPG, noting that autogas reduces carbon dioxide emissions by more than 20 percent compared to petrol and diesel.
“LPG is a practical solution for Kenya’s transport sector amid rising fuel prices,” he added.
Notably, Kamau mentioned that education remains the biggest barrier to adoption. “Many people ask, ‘How safe is it to drive a car with an LPG tank?’ We have collaborated with APRA to ensure all conversion kits meet world-class safety standards. LPG-powered vehicles are completely safe apart from normal road risks.”
To further reduce adoption barriers, the CEO disclosed that Proto Energy is working with financial institutions and driver associations to provide tailored financing, allowing drivers to fund 100 percent of the conversion and recover costs within a month.
Moreover, the partnership will leverage OLA Energy’s existing service stations to increase LPG accessibility as Kamau announced that Proto Energy currently operates conversion centres in Githurai 44 and Zimmerman, Nairobi, and plans to roll out LPG services in five OLA-partnered stations within the city, followed by ten additional stations outside Nairobi, targeting 15 stations by the end of the year.
He demonstrated that filling a full LPG tank takes 10 to 13 minutes, while smaller fills of Sh2,000 to Sh3,000 take less than four minutes, emphasising that Kenya’s LPG market is growing but underserved in rural areas.
“Last year, LPG usage in Kenya grew by 15 percent, yet penetration is only 24 percent, with half concentrated in Nairobi. The government’s goal of 70 percent penetration by 2028 means the LPG market will triple in the next two to three years, benefiting both autogas for vehicles and cooking gas for households,” affirmed Kamau.
On pricing, the CEO maintained that LPG remains cost-competitive, as he reported that currently, LPG is sold at Sh90 per litre compared to Sh184 for petrol with the 50 percent saving making it attractive for motorists while supporting Kenya’s transition to sustainable energy.
In his remarks, Mohamed Elhoderi, Managing Director (MD) of OLA Energy, stressed the importance of accessibility, convenience, and safety.
“The key for autogas expansion is accessibility, affordability, and practicality. OLA has 109 service stations in Kenya. Today, a service station is no longer just a fuel point; it’s a service destination. Drivers can fuel with petrol, LPG, wash their cars, and access other services in one location. This partnership allows us to make autogas both convenient and efficient,” he illustrated.
Elhoderi highlighted regulatory compliance and safety as critical in the rollout saying, “We work closely with EPRA and KEBS to ensure all standards are adhered to and provide feedback to enhance safety. Proto Energy brings the technical expertise and operational know-how, while OLA contributes its footprint and market access. This collaboration ensures that LPG adoption is done safely, efficiently, and effectively.
He also underscored the social impact of LPG adoption, especially for households stating, “By providing sustainable energy, we reduce the burden on women who traditionally spend hours collecting firewood. Families can cook in minutes, reducing exposure to smoke-related diseases and promoting healthier communities. This initiative contributes to both environmental sustainability and social well-being.”
The MD added that OLA Energy’s experience across 17 African countries strengthens the partnership.
“Our infrastructure in Mombasa, Nairobi, and Eldoret, combined with Proto Energy’s expertise, allows us to expand LPG safely and efficiently. The partnership ensures that motorists can access clean, affordable energy without compromising safety or convenience,” assured Elhoderi.
Meanwhile, the launch at the OLA Buruburu station in Nairobi is the first of many planned expansions. Both Proto Energy and OLA Energy emphasised their commitment to scaling LPG adoption nationwide, creating jobs, boosting the economy, and contributing to a cleaner, greener Kenya.
Kamau said the milestone “changes the landscape of our country as we move toward a more sustainable energy future. We are proud to lead the charge alongside OLA Energy, providing Kenyans with reliable, affordable, and environmentally friendly fuel alternatives. This is just the beginning, and we look forward to scaling these solutions across the country.”
On the other hand, Elhoderi added that private-sector collaboration, combined with technical expertise, infrastructure, and regulatory compliance, can drive meaningful change.
“We are confident that together with Proto Energy, we will expand LPG adoption, making clean, affordable energy accessible to all Kenyans,” he reaffirmed.
By Naif Rashid
