Nairobi, Feb. 3 -- For four months between March and July 2023, the gas storage and refilling plant that exploded at Mradi Village in Embakasi Thursday night, had unsuccessfully applied for permits three times from the Energy and Petroleum Authority (Epra).

But even long before that, those living in nearby buildings had constantly complained to the National Environment Management Authority (Nema) over the presence of such a potentially explosive facility at a highly populated residential area.

Sadly, they say their complaints were never acted upon.

Even more puzzling, is that twice-in March 2020 and January 2021, the plant that was illegally constructed at the said location was demolished by Epra and the operators charged in court.

Al...