The government has intensified efforts to transition learning institutions from traditional biomass fuels to Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG).
This follows the urgent move to mitigate environmental degradation, improve public health, and promote energy efficiency.
Ministry of Energy and Petroleum Cabinet Secretary (CS) Opiyo Wandayi emphasised the government’s commitment to a sustainable energy future through the Enhanced LPG Uptake Project (ELUP), which targets institutions of learning.
In a speech read on his behalf by the Commissioner for Petroleum Joseph Otieno during the LPG for Learning Institutions Advocacy and Safety Conference, the CS said that nearly 90 per cent of schools still relied on firewood for cooking.
“Each year, the education sector alone consumes about 10 million trees. One school can clear up to 56 acres of forest to meet its cooking needs. This is unacceptable if we are serious about sustainability,” said Wandayi.
Citing data from the Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI), the CS noted that air pollution from cooking contributes to approximately 23,000 deaths annually in Kenya, many of whom are school cooks, students, and teachers.
The LPG for Institutions of Learning Programme is part of the broader Enhanced LPG Uptake Project (ELUP) and directly aligns with the Bottom-up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA).
According to Wandayi, the initiative supports key global and national commitments, including Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 7 on affordable and clean energy and SDG 13 on climate action.
“We are not just encouraging adoption; we are insisting on safe, compliant, and sustainable adoption,” he added.
Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Ogamba said the initiative is already benefiting thousands of learners and staff by replacing harmful firewood use with clean energy.
In a speech read on his behalf by Secretary Administration for Basic Education Florence Amoiti, Ogamba noted that over 90 per cent of schools relied on firewood, which contributes to deforestation and serious health risks.
“Clean energy is not just an environmental issue; it’s about the dignity and well-being of our school communities,” said Ogamba.
State Department for Petroleum Principal Secretary Mohamed Liban said that cooks and learners are exposed daily to toxic indoor smoke leading to respiratory complications, eye problems, and, in tragic cases, premature deaths environmentally.
Liban said the government’s LPG programme, under his ministry’s stewardship, aims to deliver not just clean but safe and standardised installations across institutions.
“We are working closely with government agencies, suppliers, county governments, and schools to ensure installations meet the highest safety standards,” he said.
Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA) Director General Daniel Kiptoo reinforced the regulator’s role in overseeing the safe rollout of LPG infrastructure in schools.
“As the regulator, EPRA ensures all LPG systems meet strict safety standards, from licensing suppliers to inspecting installations. Our oversight gives the public confidence,” said Kiptoo.
He stressed the importance of collaborative action, stating, “Regulation alone lacks voice and teeth to bite. Enforcement alone brings fear. Sensitisation alone is not enough. But strategically together, laws and policies become a bridge to safety, security, compliance, and prosperity”.
Chairperson of the LPG for Public Institutions of Learning Committee Ms. Charity Cheruiyot emphasised the need for proper infrastructure investment, training, and statutory compliance.
She said lessons from the pilot phase would inform a scale-up to 11,000 institutions nationwide, aligning with Kenya’s National Energy Growth Strategy and tree-planting goals.
“According to our 2024 survey involving over 7,000 public institutions, including secondary schools, TVETs, and teacher training colleges 98 per cent still rely on biomass. This has led to health risks, deforestation, and operational inefficiencies,” Ms. Cheruiyot said.
Ms. Cheruiyot cited respiratory illnesses, eye irritation, and even termite-infested firewood storage as key challenges.
Speaking during the session, school administrators and kitchen staff from the pilot schools reported significant cost savings, reduced smoke-related illnesses, and improved operational efficiency.
Murang’a High School Chief Principal Mr. Willie Kuria said the transition to LPG had significantly improved school operations.
“Switching to LPG has not only saved us money, but it has also saved lives, enhanced academic performance, and brought more organisation to the school,” he noted.
By Naif Rashid and Amina Bakari
