Interview with Green Wells Energies MD on opening of LPG Plant in Kisumu

By Peter Ochieng 

Green Wells Energies on Friday opened a Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) plant along Sabuni road in Kisumu, in a ceremony presided over by Kisumu governor Anyang’ Nyong’o.

Headquartered in Kisumu, the oil marketing company was incorporated in 2011 as Wells Oil Limited, with the name now changing to Green Wells Energies, five petrol stations later.

Two of the company’s petrol stations are in Kisumu, two in Ugunja – Siaya County, and one in Mbita – Homabay County, with expansion plans to areas such as Nairobi being mooted by the management.  

The opening of the LPG plant, governor Nyong’o said, sends a clear message that his administration continues to create a conducive environment for businesses to thrive in the Lakeside City

“We will protect your businesses through friendly policies,” said the second term governor.

Stephen Okello, the company’s CEO urged residents of Kisumu and Western region by extension, to trust them with their energy needs. “We are proud to bring you clean, quality and safe energy,” he noted.   

During the event, the press spoke to Caroline Adhiambo Okello, Green Wells Energies Managing Director (MD). Here are the excerpts from the interview:  

Press: Why are we here today?
MD: We are here today to specifically launch our LPG brand that is Wells Gas. This particular launch marks such a big milestone for us, because our interest is not just selling gas, but offering solutions.

Press: How accessible is your gas?

MD: One of the things we are going to do right now is to recruit dealers in different towns, and we are starting with Nyanza.

We want to make sure that we paint Nyanza green. You can be sure, in the next coming months, you'll be able to get our product across various parts.

Press: Did you do due diligence in terms of safety while setting up the plant?

MD: The key pillars that we are working around are quality, reliability, efficiency and safety. For our plant to be established here, we've met all the requirements, all the regulations, as per the law.

We were duly inspected by the Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority, and the National Environmental Management Authority, and they were satisfied with all the stages. So, we have met all the safety requirements, and we continue to keep safe and make sure that our products are safe.

Press: What are some of the challenges you face in the industry?

MD: Some of the challenges in this particular industry is illegal gas refiling, because you realize we do a lot of investments when it comes to purchasing of the cylinders.

When the cylinder is out there, some of these guys go back and refill your product, even without your knowledge. So that is one of the challenges that we are facing, that sometimes you sell gas to the client, but you end up not being the one refilling.

Press: Finally, can you speak to us about the pricing?

MD: Our product is very affordable. Refilling a 13kg cylinder is Sh2500 while the 6kg cylinder goes for Sh1,150.