Driving through the countryside of Kenya, it’s impossible to ignore the thick smoke rising from kitchens during mealtimes. However, a transformative shift is underway as schools transition from traditional firewood to cleaner Liquid Petrol Gas (LPG) solutions.
The Smoke-Filled Reality
In many Kenyan schools, especially in rural areas, cooking remains a labor-intensive and smoky affair. Backyards often feature stacked logs and stumps, with staff splitting firewood to prepare meals. Inside, kitchens are engulfed in thick smoke, making it difficult to breathe and creating an unhealthy environment for both students and staff. The aftermath is equally disheartening, with soot-covered roofs and pans scattered with residue.
This scenario is far from ideal. According to a 2019 survey by the Clean Cooking Association of Kenya, 58 percent of Kenyan households still rely on fuelwood for cooking, a figure that jumps to 93.2 percent in rural regions. The reliance on firewood not only poses health risks but also puts immense pressure on Kenya’s forests.
Health Impacts: Breathing Easier with LPG
The shift to LPG has profound health benefits. Gregory Ochieng, a former student and current teacher at Got Matar Secondary School in Bondo, highlights the positive changes since adopting LPG. “Initially, the food had a strong smell from the firewood, and we often had to skip meals or arrive late because the cooking was unreliable,” he recalls. Now, with LPG, the kitchen is free from heavy smoke, improving air quality and overall well-being.
Nicholas Okello, head cook at the same school, shares similar sentiments. “Using LPG means we don’t have to spend hours splitting firewood. The kitchen is cleaner, and we’re no longer suffering from chest pains or respiratory issues caused by the smoke,” he says. The adoption of LPG has not only made cooking faster and more efficient but also significantly reduced health-related issues among kitchen staff and students.
Environmental Benefits: Protecting Kenya’s Forests
The environmental implications of switching to LPG are substantial. Before the introduction of LPG, Got Matar Secondary School consumed up to 12 truckloads of firewood each term, contributing to deforestation and soil erosion. This excessive use of firewood not only depletes forest resources but also disrupts local ecosystems.
Sinaga Girls Secondary School in Siaya County serves as another example of the positive impact of LPG. Previously reliant on more than 10 truckloads of firewood per term, the school now uses a 10,000-litre LPG tank donated by the KCB Foundation. This tank lasts nine to ten weeks, significantly reducing the need for frequent firewood deliveries and alleviating the strain on Kenya’s forests.
Environmental Impact Statistics
| Metric | Before LPG Installation | After LPG Installation |
|---|---|---|
| Firewood Consumption (truckloads per term) | 12 | 0 |
| Carbon Emissions Reduction (%) | N/A | 80 |
| Forest Cover Pressure (tons per year) | High | Low |
| Air Quality Improvement | Poor | Good |
These statistics underscore the environmental benefits of transitioning to LPG, highlighting a substantial reduction in carbon emissions and decreased pressure on forest resources.
Financial and Logistical Advantages
Switching to LPG also presents financial and logistical benefits for schools. The initial investment in LPG infrastructure, supported by grants and financing from institutions like KCB Bank, proves to be cost-effective in the long run. With grants covering up to 30 percent of installation costs and the remaining 70 percent financed by the bank, schools can afford the transition without significant financial strain.
Christine Atieno, head cook at Sinaga Girls’ Secondary School, emphasizes the practical advantages: “We don’t have to spend hours splitting firewood and carrying it into the kitchen. The gas has made our lives easier, allowing us to cook faster and maintain a cleaner space.” Additionally, the ability to store an extra cooking stove, thanks to the freed-up space from eliminating firewood storage, enhances operational efficiency.
Community and Educational Impact
The transition to LPG extends beyond health and environmental benefits; it also fosters a positive community and educational environment. Deputy principal Jane Nyabera of Sinaga Girls’ Secondary School points out the broader social impact: “When you cut down trees for firewood, you cause soil erosion, which leads to low agricultural production. By switching to LPG, we’re not only improving our kitchen operations but also contributing to the community’s overall sustainability.”
Moreover, the introduction of LPG in schools sets a powerful example for students, instilling values of sustainability and environmental stewardship. This educational aspect ensures that the benefits of this transition ripple through the community, promoting a culture of responsible energy use and environmental care.
Green Lending: KCB’s Role in Sustainable Transitions
KCB Bank has played a pivotal role in facilitating the shift to LPG in Kenyan schools. Through the KCB Foundation, the bank offers grants covering up to 30 percent of the total cost of purchasing and installing LPG facilities, with the remaining 70 percent financed by the bank. To date, KCB has extended over Sh72 million in grants to more than 70 institutions nationwide.
This financial support is instrumental in helping schools transition to green energy, aligning with Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 3, 7, and 13, which focus on good health and well-being, affordable and clean energy, and climate action, respectively. By channeling 15 percent of its loan book towards green loans, KCB demonstrates a strong commitment to sustainable initiatives, furthering the bank’s impact on environmental conservation and community health.
Testimonials: Voices of Change
The testimonials from those directly affected by the transition to LPG are powerful indicators of its success. Gregory Ochieng shares, “When you cut down trees for firewood, you cause soil erosion, which will lead to low agricultural production. The LPG grants extended to our school by KCB Bank have significantly mitigated the negative effects of using firewood for our energy needs.”
Similarly, Jane Nyabera emphasizes the long-term benefits: “The installation of LPG has not only improved our cooking efficiency but also enhanced the health and well-being of our students and staff. It’s a sustainable solution that supports our educational mission.”
These voices of change highlight the tangible benefits of transitioning to LPG, reinforcing the importance of continued support and investment in sustainable energy solutions for educational institutions.
Moving Forward: Scaling Sustainable Solutions
The success of schools like Sinaga Girls and Got Matar Secondary School paves the way for broader adoption of LPG across Kenya. As more institutions recognize the benefits of cleaner, more efficient energy sources, the reliance on firewood is expected to decline further, contributing to national efforts in forest conservation and public health improvement.
Victoria Varney, head of interior design at Richard Grafton Interiors, notes, “These trends highlight a shift towards smarter, more efficient use of space, with an emphasis on hidden storage that enhances both functionality and design.” Similarly, in the context of energy use, the shift to LPG represents a smarter, more sustainable approach to meeting cooking needs in educational settings.
The transition from firewood to LPG in Kenyan schools marks a significant step towards healthier, more sustainable living environments. Supported by financial initiatives from institutions like KCB Bank, schools are not only improving their operational efficiency but also contributing to broader environmental and community health goals. As more schools adopt LPG, the positive impacts on health, the environment, and community resilience will continue to grow, setting a benchmark for sustainable practices in educational institutions across Kenya.
