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Kenya’s plan to introduce piped cooking gas in homes got a lifeline yesterday after National Oil (NOCK) entered a pact with CFAO Kenya Ltd and National Housing Corporation (NHC) on Liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) reticulation, distribution of gas by a network of pipes.

Reticulated System is a method of supplying LP gas through a pipe line network from a systematic cylinder bank or bulk tank to every single kitchen of a housing complex or restaurant. Coming amid concerns over safety, lack of appropriate infrastructure and lack of gas reserves, the project will take off with 75 residential apartments by NHC’s located in Nairobi’s South B estate.

The signed memorandum of understanding (MoU) says the units are expected to be fully reticulated by end of December this year, after which more projects will follow.

Implementation of LPG reticulation project will be done by CFAO Kenya, a Toyota Tshusho Group Company. 

National Oil will supply the bulk gas under its LPG brand SupaGas and provide technical personnel to oversee the set up of the reticulation while NHC will provide access to its housing units.

Cost effective

The State corporation said the deal provides a cost-effective option for consumers with savings on cylinder and an easy-to-isolate gas supply in case of an emergency. It will also ensure non-stop supply of LPG.

“We are excited about the impact this project will have on the affordable housing agenda being undertaken under the President’s Big Four agenda which is encouraging LPG reticulation in housing units,” said National Oil Chief executive officer Mary Jane Mwangi.

During his visit to Tanzania last month, President Uhuru Kenyatta and his Tanzanian counterpart, John Magufuli, agreed to explore possibilities of trading in natural gas, which would see Kenya import cheaper gas.