In the wake of the tragic LPG tanker explosion in Miradi, Embakasi, Nairobi County, the National Environmental Management Authority (NEMA) has taken decisive action. Four NEMA officers have been suspended following an investigation into the licensing process of the gas plant involved in the incident.

The explosion, which occurred on February 1st, 2024, claimed lives and left many injured. In a statement issued by the NEMA Board of Management, condolences were extended to those affected, and hopes for a speedy recovery were expressed.

The incident shed light on the licensing process of the gas plant owned by Maxxis Nairobi Energy. NEMA received an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) Project report for the proposed installation and operation of the LPG storage and filling plant in July 2020. However, discrepancies in the licensing procedure have raised concerns.

According to the statement, the licensing process faced scrutiny, with issues surrounding land ownership and community consultation raised during the review. Despite these concerns, the project was granted an EIA license in February 2023.

Upon further investigation, it was found that four NEMA officers had processed the license in an unprocedural manner, leading to their suspension pending further inquiry by relevant government agencies.

The NEMA Board of Management has emphasized the need for a thorough investigation into the licensing procedure and has vowed to address any gaps to prevent such incidents from occurring in the future.