The Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA) has launched a major week-long sensitization campaign in Siaya County, signalling a renewed push to streamline the region’s energy and petroleum sector, enhance safety standards, and deepen collaboration with county authorities.
On Monday, the EPRA delegation—led by Ms. Anne Kiprotich, Deputy Director for Public Education and Advocacy—paid a high-level courtesy call to County Secretary and Head of Public Service, Joseph Ogutu, to brief him on upcoming stakeholder forums and identify critical energy challenges facing the county.
Siaya becomes the 25th county to host EPRA’s nationwide sensitization programme.
EPRA’s campaign will bring together key players across the energy and petroleum ecosystem in Siaya. The forums, scheduled for Siaya Polytechnic, will run as follows:
1. Tuesday: National Government Administrative Officers (NGAOs) & Security Committees
2. Wednesday: Siaya County Government Staff – Capacity Building
3. Thursday: LPG & Petroleum Dealers
4. Friday: Electricity Contractors & Energy Workers
EPRA says the targeted forums will help strengthen compliance, safety, and operational efficiency across the sector.
During the briefing, the authority outlined a raft of issues it wants addressed within the county:
Erratic parking of petrol tankers and spacing of filling stations
Environmental and safety concerns around petroleum operations
Disaster preparedness frameworks
Strengthening enforcement and compliance
Monitoring zoning and approved locations for LPG installations
Eliminating fuel adulteration and ensuring product quality
EPRA also emphasized the critical role of the fire department in the sensitization exercise, noting that disaster-readiness is a shared responsibility.
County Secretary Joseph Ogutu, who represented Governor James Orengo, lauded EPRA’s efforts and assured the team of full county support.
“We are here to support you and ensure you achieve the desired goals,” Ogutu said.
“Let the training emphasize renewable, clean and affordable energy aligned with technological changes.”
He noted that the Nyalore administration has already made significant strides toward clean energy adoption and remains committed to environmental conservation through strategic partnerships.
Siaya County officials used the meeting to push for:
Full implementation of pending street lighting projects
Adoption of electric vehicles (EVs) to cut fuel dependency and reduce associated risks
Stronger controls on illegal siphoning, tanker parking, and unsafe fuel handling
Clearer logistical support for mobilizing county staff during the sensitization week
Energy Chief Officer Dr. Nicholas Kut Ochogo stressed the need for efficient logistics, especially if personnel mobilization is to be done internally.
EPRA called on the county to collaborate on:
Transport arrangements
Conference facilities
Meals and related workshop resources
The county confirmed it would mobilize all relevant staff to attend the sessions.
EPRA reminded stakeholders of its robust enforcement powers under the Energy and Petroleum Act, noting that the authority:
Ensures supply security
Upholds healthy competition
Can surcharge, suspend, or revoke licences for illegal or dangerous operations
These efforts are undertaken jointly with NEMA, the police, and other security agencies.
Present at the courtesy call were senior EPRA officials and Siaya County leadership, including:
Ms. Zilpa Menya, Director for Cabinet Affairs
Members of the EPRA Public Education and Advocacy team
County energy officials and administrators
As Siaya prepares for the intensive four-day sensitization campaign, both EPRA and the county government have expressed optimism that this collaboration will strengthen regulatory compliance, enhance safety, and pave the way for a future powered by cleaner, affordable energy solutions.
The energy transformation journey in Siaya has officially begun.
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