LPG growth, locally-made vaccines and accident investigation bureau among Cabinet’s latest policy approvals

Cabinet has endorsed a groundbreaking Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) Growth Policy that aims to transition households away from traditional cooking fuels toward the cleaner alternative of LPG.

Presently, 70 per cent of Kenyan households rely on inefficient and polluting biomass and kerosene for cooking.

Proposed measures include establishing common-user LPG import terminals, distributing subsidized cylinders to low-income households, and promoting LPG use in educational institutions and affordable housing units.

These actions are intended to reduce consumer prices, enhance transparency, improve public safety, and contribute to public health and environmental sustainability.

The Cabinet has also granted approval for the extensive redevelopment of KenGen’s Gogo Hydropower Plant in Migori County to increase the plant’s generation capacity and efficiency, thereby bolstering power generation and stability in Western Kenya.

Locally-made vaccines

Another vital initiative endorsed by the Cabinet is the Kenya Health Emergency Preparedness, Response, and Resilience Project.

In collaboration with the World Bank, this project includes the establishment of vaccine production capacity at the Kenya BioVax Institute, strengthening regulatory processes at the Pharmacy and Poisons Board, and enhancing quality control and assurance capabilities at the National Quality Control Laboratory.

The project’s goals are to ensure a steady supply of locally-made vaccines, advance Universal Health Coverage, strengthen Kenya’s ability to deal with health emergencies and stimulate economic growth.

Furthermore, in response to the challenges presented by vaccine disparities during the COVID-19 pandemic, the Cabinet has approved the establishment of an inter-ministerial committee tasked with negotiating the Pandemic Treaty with the World Health Organization, a UN agency.

This committee will advocate for equity in developing a pandemic treaty and enhancing the International Health Regulations (2005).

Kenya Transport Accident Investigation Bureau

To address transportation safety, the Cabinet has given the green light for the establishment of the Kenya Transport Accident Investigation Bureau, which will be responsible for comprehensive investigations into transport-related accidents and providing safety recommendations.

In a bid to elevate Kenya’s standing in the sporting world, the Cabinet has approved construction and renovation projects crucial for hosting the Africa Cup of Nations in 2027.

These ambitious plans encompass the construction of the Talanta Sports Complex and extensive renovations at Nyayo National Stadium, Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani, and Kipchoge Keino Stadium in Eldoret.

These upgrades aim to meet the standards set by the Confederation of African Football, positioning Kenya as a competitive sporting destination.

Finally, the Cabinet has been briefed on the progress of implementing recommendations outlined in the Report of the Working Party on Education Reforms, demonstrating its commitment to advancing the education sector.