Kenyans are protesting the increase in cooking gas prices across the country. Early this month, social media users started expressing disappointment in the rise of LPG by Sh500.
Reports show that the price of cooking gas, the primary energy source in millions of homes, has gone up by up to 30 percent. Local LPG suppliers are reportedly selling a 6kg cylinder at Sh2,600. It was previously retailing at Sh1,800.
Kenyans are decrying the increase in cooking gas prices, with most lamenting that a 13kg cylinder they bought at Sh2,600 in December has risen to Sh3,100.
Local suppliers are blaming a weakening shilling and a difficult regulatory environment for the new gas prices, arguing that the increase is a result of government regulatory measures. The sellers have also come out to express their frustrations noting that they are losing customers who can’t afford to keep up with the increasing costs.
The local hospitality sector is also feeling the brunt of the new gas prices, with many noting that they have to increase the cost of food and other services to keep their small businesses afloat.
President William Ruto has been vocal about climate change implications and the need for Kenya to actively reverse the adverse effects on the environment, and providing clean cooking energy for vulnerable families is key in his agenda.
However, this can only be achieved if low-income families can access affordable cooking gas. As a cheaper alternative to cooking gas, kerosene and wood are anticipated to become more popular in Kenya due to the rise in cooking gas prices. However, there may be major effects on the environment and community health as a result of this.
Kerosene and wood have been used as traditional energy sources for many years. They are frequently used as a cheap fuel source since they are easily accessible. However, using these fuels significantly contributes to deforestation and air pollution. Kerosene combustion generates airborne toxins, including carbon monoxide and particulates, whereas burning wood results in deforestation and raises atmospheric carbon dioxide levels.
Experts have urged the government to speed up its consideration of regulating cooking gas prices to ingrain stability in the market.
The switch from using cooking gas to kerosene and wood in response to rising cooking gas prices is probably going to be bad for the environment and the health of communities. The government has been urged to move immediately to address this problem and offer all Kenyans access to sustainable and clean energy sources. (
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