Requirements for Licence for Reticulation of LPG in Kenya: Everything You Need to Know

Reticulation of Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) refers to the supply of LPG to a client’s premises or kitchen through a piped network from a centralized storage bank. This system ensures a safe, uninterrupted supply of LPG under low pressure, enhancing the safety of premises and kitchens.

In Kenya, the Energy & Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA) regulates the licensing of LPG reticulation systems. EPRA has an expanded mandate covering the regulation of upstream petroleum and coal. Notably, no fees are charged for petroleum business licenses issued by the authority.

Key Requirements for LPG Reticulation Licence

To obtain a license for LPG reticulation, applicants must meet the following requirements:

1. Business Registration Documents

Certificate of Incorporation or Business Registration Certificate.
CR12 from the Registrar of Companies (not older than one year at the time of submission). If a limited company appears as a shareholder, provide its CR12 plus all directors’ IDs.
Legible copies of IDs or passports for all directors.
Valid work permits (Class G) for foreign directors working in Kenya. Non-resident foreign directors must provide a notarized declaration. Employees granted Powers of Attorney by a foreign director should provide identification documents.

2. Compliance & Regulatory Documents

Valid Tax Compliance Certificate from the Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA).
Valid Single Business Permit for the premises of operation from the respective County Government.
Proof of access to bulk LPG supply, demonstrated by either:
- A valid license for import, export, and wholesale of bulk LPG.
- A copy of a supply agreement with a licensed LPG importer, exporter, or wholesaler.

3. Safety & Environmental Certifications

Valid Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) License from the National Environment Management Authority (NEMA).
Valid Fire Clearance Certificate from the respective County Government.
Proof of conformity assessment from the Kenya Bureau of Standards (KEBS) verifying compliance with applicable Kenyan or international standards.
Valid Workplace Registration Certificate from the Directorate of Occupational Safety and Health Services (DOSHS).
Certificate of examination for each LPG storage tank, issued by a certified inspector registered with DOSHS.
Valid calibration certificate for each LPG storage tank at the facility.
Valid calibration certificate for the metering system connected to LPG consumers.

4. Operational & Service Guidelines

Emergency response plan summary, including a schematic layout of the entire setup and proposed emergency evacuation routes.
Copy of the customer service charter.
Customer enquiry, complaints, and dispute resolution mechanisms.
Standard contract terms and conditions covering billing processes, procedures, and tariff information.

How to Apply for an LPG Reticulation Licence

Application for an LPG reticulation licence is conducted online via the EPRA portal. Follow these steps:

Login or Register – Access the EPRA Portal and create an account if you do not already have one.
Select Licence Management – Click on ‘Licence Management’ and choose ‘New Licence Application.’
Choose Licence Category – Select ‘LPG Reticulation’ from the list of categories.
Accept Licence Conditions – Read and accept the terms and conditions, then proceed with registration.
Fill in Required Details – Complete the application form by entering the necessary business and operational details.
Attach Required Documents – Upload all the necessary documentation as per the requirements outlined above.
Submit Application – Once all details are entered and documents are uploaded, submit the application for processing.