Across Kenya, a quiet revolution is happening in school kitchens. Schools are moving away from smoky, wood-fired stoves to modern Liquid Petrol Gas (LPG) systems. This change, supported by organizations like the KCB Foundation, is not just about cooking faster. It is about improving the health of students and staff, protecting Kenya’s precious forests, and creating a more sustainable future for entire communities. This shift marks a major step forward in how educational institutions approach energy and well-being.
The Harsh Reality of Cooking with Firewood
For years, many Kenyan schools, especially in rural areas, have relied on firewood for daily meals. Kitchens were often filled with thick, choking smoke that made it hard to breathe. Staff spent hours chopping wood, and the soot would cover everything from the pots to the ceilings. This method of cooking was not only inefficient but also dangerous.
According to a 2019 survey by the Clean Cooking Association of Kenya, a staggering 93.2 percent of rural households depend on firewood. This heavy reliance creates significant health problems. Kitchen staff and students exposed to the smoke often suffer from respiratory issues, chest pains, and other long-term health complications. The constant smoke also affected the taste of the food and the reliability of mealtimes.
Nicholas Okello, a head cook at Got Matar Secondary School, explained that using LPG has made the kitchen cleaner and safer. He no longer suffers from the chest pains that were a constant problem when he cooked with firewood. This highlights the direct and immediate health improvements that come from switching to a cleaner fuel source.
How LPG Improves Health and Well-being
The move to LPG brings immediate and life-changing health benefits. With the smoke gone, the air inside and around school kitchens is much cleaner. This simple change has a massive impact on the daily lives of everyone at the school.
The kitchen staff are among the first to feel the difference. They no longer inhale harmful smoke for hours every day, which reduces their risk of serious health problems. For students, the benefits are just as important. Gregory Ochieng, a teacher at Got Matar Secondary School, remembers how the food used to smell strongly of firewood. Now, meals are cleaner and more pleasant.
Some of the key health improvements include:
- Reduced Respiratory Illnesses: Cases of coughing, chest pain, and other breathing problems among staff and students decrease significantly.
- Improved Air Quality: The overall environment of the school becomes healthier without the constant presence of smoke.
- Safer Kitchens: The risk of burns and other accidents associated with open fires is eliminated, creating a safer workspace.
This transition allows schools to provide a healthier learning environment where students and staff can thrive without worrying about the air they breathe.
Protecting Kenya’s Forests from Deforestation
The environmental cost of using firewood is enormous. Kenya’s forests are under immense pressure from the high demand for fuelwood. When schools switch to LPG, they play a crucial role in protecting these vital natural resources. For example, Got Matar Secondary School used to burn through 12 truckloads of firewood every single term.
This widespread tree-cutting leads to serious environmental problems like deforestation and soil erosion, which can harm local farming. Sinaga Girls Secondary School, which once used over 10 truckloads of wood per term, now uses a large LPG tank that lasts for months. This shift directly reduces the number of trees being cut down, helping to preserve local ecosystems.
The table below shows the clear environmental benefits of this transition.
| Metric | Before Using LPG | After Using LPG |
|---|---|---|
| Firewood Use (truckloads per term) | 10-12 | 0 |
| Carbon Emissions Reduction | N/A | Up to 80% |
| Pressure on Forests | High | Low |
By choosing LPG, these schools are making a powerful statement about their commitment to environmental sustainability.
Making the Switch Affordable for Schools
One of the biggest questions for any school is whether they can afford to install an LPG system. The initial cost can seem high, but financial support is making it possible. Institutions like KCB Bank are offering “green lending” programs specifically to help schools make this important change.
Through the KCB Foundation, schools can receive grants that cover up to 30 percent of the total cost of buying and installing LPG facilities. The remaining 70 percent can be covered by a loan from the bank. This model breaks down the financial barrier, making clean energy accessible. So far, KCB has provided over Sh72 million in grants to more than 70 institutions.
Beyond the initial setup, schools also see long-term financial and practical benefits. Christine Atieno, a head cook at Sinaga Girls’ Secondary School, noted that the gas is easier and faster to use. Staff no longer waste time splitting and carrying firewood. The space once used for wood storage can now hold an extra stove, making the kitchen even more efficient.
Building a Culture of Sustainability in the Community
The impact of switching to LPG goes far beyond the school gates. It creates a positive ripple effect that benefits the entire community and educates the next generation. When a school adopts clean energy, it sets a powerful example.
Jane Nyabera, the deputy principal of Sinaga Girls’ Secondary School, pointed out the connection between cutting trees and poor agricultural production due to soil erosion. By using LPG, the school is not just improving its kitchen but also contributing to the community’s environmental health and food security.
This transition also serves as a practical lesson for students. They learn first-hand about the importance of sustainable living and environmental care. These values become part of their education, inspiring them to be responsible citizens who understand the impact of their energy choices. This educational component is key to creating long-lasting change.
Frequently Asked Questions About LPG in Kenyan Schools
What are the main problems with using firewood for cooking in schools?
Using firewood creates thick smoke that causes serious health problems like chest pains and respiratory illnesses. It is also labor-intensive for staff, contributes to deforestation, and can make food taste smoky.
How does LPG help the environment in Kenya?
Switching to LPG drastically reduces the number of trees cut down for fuel. This helps fight deforestation, prevent soil erosion, and lower carbon emissions by up to 80%, protecting Kenya’s valuable forests.
Can schools afford to install LPG systems?
Yes, many can with financial help. Organizations like the KCB Foundation offer grants covering part of the cost and finance the rest with green loans, making the transition affordable and cost-effective in the long run.
What health problems does cooking with firewood cause?
Constant exposure to wood smoke can lead to a range of health issues, including chronic coughs, chest pains, breathing difficulties, and other long-term respiratory diseases for both kitchen staff and students.
Which organization is helping schools switch to LPG?
KCB Bank, through its KCB Foundation, is a key player. It provides grants and financing to help schools purchase and install modern LPG facilities as part of its commitment to green energy and sustainable development.
