Proto Energy and Equity Bank have partnered to expand access to financing for customers seeking to adopt liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), introducing two financing solutions targeting vehicle owners and institutions.
The partnership will provide an Autogas Conversion Loan and an Institutional LPG Conversion Loan, addressing the upfront costs associated with LPG infrastructure, equipment, installation and vehicle conversion.
The Autogas Conversion Loan will enable motorists, taxi and ride-hailing operators, public service vehicles, small and medium-sized enterprises and corporate fleets to finance the conversion of eligible vehicles to dual-fuel Autogas systems.
Under the arrangement, Proto Energy, through OTOGAS, will provide technical expertise and vehicle conversion solutions, while Equity Bank will provide financing to make the transition more affordable for vehicle owners.
The partnership seeks to accelerate the adoption of Autogas in Kenya, where approximately 20,000 vehicles had been converted to the fuel by the end of 2024.
Proto Energy Managing Director Joel Kamau said the partnership would provide customers with an end-to-end pathway to LPG adoption by combining financing with technical expertise, infrastructure and reliable supply.
“Our partnership with Equity Bank addresses a critical barrier to LPG adoption by making financing more accessible,” Kamau said.
He said the company aims to double the number of Autogas-converted vehicles in Kenya to 40,000.
The second product, the Institutional LPG Conversion Loan, will support schools, colleges, universities and other eligible institutions seeking to transition to or expand their use of LPG.
The financing will cover investments in LPG infrastructure, equipment, installation and related solutions, helping institutions overcome the significant upfront costs associated with adopting LPG.
Equity Bank Managing Director Moses Nyabanda said access to financing can help customers manage the initial costs involved in transitioning to LPG.
“Financing can play an important role in helping customers overcome the upfront costs associated with adopting LPG,” Nyabanda said.
Through the partnership, Equity Bank will provide the financing solutions, while Proto Energy will offer the technical expertise, LPG infrastructure and supply solutions required to support customers throughout the adoption process.
The two organisations will also explore opportunities to develop and expand innovative financing and LPG solutions in the Kenyan market.
The partnership comes as Kenya seeks to increase access to cleaner and more efficient energy solutions across households, businesses, institutions and the transport sector.
By combining financial access with technical expertise and LPG supply infrastructure, Proto Energy and Equity Bank aim to make the transition to LPG more accessible while supporting wider adoption of Autogas in the transport sector.
The initiative is expected to create opportunities for motorists, fleet operators and institutions to adopt LPG without bearing the full upfront cost of conversion and infrastructure investments.
Proto Energy said the collaboration reinforces its commitment to expanding LPG access in Kenya, while Equity Bank views the partnership as part of its efforts to provide financing solutions that support customers transitioning to more efficient energy options.