Kenyans Left to Pay for Ruto’s Empty Promise on ‘Free’ Gas

Kenyans are now paying for gas cylinders that were promised free during President William Ruto’s 2022 election campaign. The government’s recent U-turn has shifted the plan to a subsidised model, leaving vulnerable households footing part of the cost. Energy regulators say the change ensures safety and sustainability of the programme, but critics argue it betrays campaign promises. Meanwhile, a nationwide crackdown on illegal dealers and counterfeit cylinders intensifies, highlighting risks in the LPG sector. The move exposes how political pledges collide with practical realities on the ground. Kenyans watching the rollout of the LPG subsidy will be monitoring both affordability and safety closely. With illegal dealers still active in some areas, the government faces pressure to prove that policy changes do not compromise citizens’ well-being or betray public trust. Ruto's Free Gas Turns Costly for Kenyans President Ruto’s pledge to provide free gas cylinders has become a financial burden for the public. Initially announced to support low-income households and promote clean energy, the plan has shifted to subsidised distribution. Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority ( EPRA ) Director General Daniel Kiptoo explained the change before the Senate Standing Committee on Energy. He cited sustainability and resource management as the reason for the policy shift. “Our goal is affordability and safety, not free distribution. The subsidy ensures access while enabling EPRA to sustain the program,” Kiptoo told lawmakers. The announcement has left many Kenyans disappointed, especially households that had anticipated receiving free gas. Critics argue the U-turn undermines trust in government promises and raises questions about accountability in campaign pledges. Crackdown on Illegal Gas Dealers Kiptoo revealed that the government has intensified efforts to curb illegal gas dealing and counterfeit cylinders. Enforcement teams have been dispatched nationwide to dismantle cartels operating unlicensed refilling sites. Several unlicensed plants have been raided, and hundreds of fake cylinders seized. The crackdown aims to protect consumers from unsafe practices that could lead to explosions, such as the tragic Embakasi incident. “We are committed to ensuring that every cylinder in the Kenyan market is genuine and safe for use. Eliminating unlawful cylinders is not just regulation; it is a matter of protecting lives,” Kiptoo said. Safety and Regulatory Measures Lawmakers pressed EPRA for detailed plans on safety enforcement, especially as schools and public institutions increasingly adopt LPG. Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna emphasized the risks, citing the Embakasi explosion as a stark warning. Kiptoo assured the committee that monitoring and inspection standards have been enhanced. Operators found culpable for illegal refilling will face prosecution, and trading permits will be revoked. The measures are intended to restore order in the LPG market, increase consumer confidence, and prevent accidents linked to counterfeit or poorly maintained cylinders. Subsidy vs Free Gas Debate The shift from free gas to a subsidised model has sparked debate over the true cost of campaign promises. The government maintains that subsidies provide access while avoiding misuse of public resources. However, the public sees the change as a breach of trust. Vulnerable families that expected no-cost gas now face financial pressure, questioning the fairness and transparency of policy implementation. The situation illustrates the tension between political commitments and practical governance. While safety and sustainability are crucial, the government must balance these with the promises that helped secure electoral support.