Isiolo, Kenya| In a significant step toward promoting clean energy and fostering healthier learning environments, Cabinet Secretary for Energy and Petroleum, James Opiyo Wandayi, officially commissioned the Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) for Public Institutions of Learning Project at Isiolo Girls’ High School in Isiolo County.
This landmark initiative, part of the National LPG Growth Strategy, aims to transition public schools and other institutions across Kenya from traditional, smoke-producing cooking fuels like firewood and charcoal to cleaner, safer, and more sustainable LPG alternatives.
A Milestone for Clean Cooking in Kenyan Schools
The commissioning of the LPG project at Isiolo Girls’ High School marks a pivotal moment in the Kenyan government’s broader commitment to environmental sustainability, public health, and improved educational environments.
By replacing traditional biomass fuels with LPG, the initiative seeks to eliminate the health risks associated with smoke inhalation, streamline meal preparation, and reduce environmental degradation caused by deforestation for firewood and charcoal production.
During the launch ceremony, CS Wandayi underscored the transformative potential of the project, emphasizing its role in safeguarding the health and well-being of students and staff.
“This program is about creating a safe and conducive environment for our children. No student should have to study in a school where meals are prepared using smoke-producing fuels that jeopardize their health,” Wandayi declared.
He highlighted that prolonged exposure to smoke from traditional cooking methods can lead to respiratory illnesses, eye irritation, and other health complications, particularly for young learners.
The initiative aligns with the National LPG Growth Strategy, a comprehensive policy framework designed to increase the adoption of LPG across households, institutions, and communities.
By targeting public schools, the Ministry of Energy aims to set a precedent for clean cooking practices, demonstrating the feasibility and benefits of LPG as a sustainable energy solution.
A Healthier, More Efficient School Environment
The introduction of LPG at Isiolo Girls’ High School is expected to revolutionize the school’s kitchen operations, improving efficiency, hygiene, and safety. School Principal Halima Godana warmly welcomed the initiative, noting its immediate and long-term benefits.
“The use of LPG will not only enhance hygiene and speed up cooking but also significantly reduce the workload on our kitchen staff,” she said. “This is a game-changer for our school, allowing us to focus on providing quality education in a healthier environment.”
Students at the school echoed the principal’s enthusiasm, expressing relief at the prospect of smoke-free kitchens. “We can now enjoy meals without the discomfort of smoke. It feels like a new beginning for us,” said one student, beaming with optimism.
The shift to LPG eliminates the pervasive smoke that previously filled the school’s kitchen, creating a more comfortable and conducive environment for both students and staff.
Broader Implications for Health and Sustainability
The LPG for Public Institutions of Learning Project is a cornerstone of Kenya’s efforts to promote clean cooking technologies nationwide.
Traditional cooking fuels like firewood and charcoal contribute significantly to indoor air pollution, which the World Health Organization (WHO) estimates causes over 4 million premature deaths annually, primarily in low- and middle-income countries.
By transitioning schools to LPG, the government aims to reduce these health risks while also addressing environmental concerns such as deforestation and carbon emissions.
CS Wandayi emphasized that the project is a critical component of Kenya’s commitment to sustainable development and climate action.
“By promoting LPG, we are not only improving health outcomes but also contributing to environmental conservation by reducing reliance on unsustainable biomass fuels,” he stated.
The initiative supports Kenya’s broader climate goals, including its commitments under the Paris Agreement to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and promote renewable and clean energy solutions.
A Nationwide Push for Clean Energy
The Isiolo Girls’ High School project is just the beginning of a nationwide rollout of the LPG for Public Institutions of Learning initiative.
The Ministry of Energy plans to expand the program to other schools and public institutions across Kenya, prioritizing those in rural and underserved areas where access to clean cooking technologies remains limited.
The strategy includes subsidies, awareness campaigns, and partnerships with private sector stakeholders to make LPG more affordable and accessible.
The initiative also dovetails with other government programs aimed at promoting energy access and sustainability, such as the Last Mile Connectivity Project and the Kenya Off-Grid Solar Access Project (KOSAP).
These efforts collectively aim to ensure that all Kenyans, regardless of geographic or economic status, have access to modern, clean, and efficient energy solutions.
Community and Stakeholder Support
The launch event was attended by local leaders, education officials, and community members, all of whom expressed strong support for the initiative.
Isiolo County education officials praised the government’s focus on improving school infrastructure and prioritizing student welfare.
“This project is a testament to the government’s commitment to education and health. We hope to see it replicated in other schools across the county,” said a local education officer.
Private sector partners, including LPG suppliers and distributors, have also pledged their support for the initiative, committing to ensure a steady supply of gas and equipment to participating institutions. Their involvement is critical to the program’s scalability and long-term success.
A Model for the Future
The commissioning of the LPG project at Isiolo Girls’ High School sets a powerful example for other schools and institutions across Kenya.
By demonstrating the tangible benefits of clean cooking—improved health, enhanced efficiency, and environmental sustainability—the initiative paves the way for a broader transition to LPG and other clean energy solutions.
As CS Wandayi concluded his remarks, he reiterated the government’s unwavering commitment to the National LPG Growth Strategy.
“Today, we have taken a significant step toward a cleaner, healthier, and more sustainable future for our schools and communities. This is not just about cooking; it’s about transforming lives and building a better Kenya,” he said.
Looking Ahead
The launch of the LPG for Public Institutions of Learning Project at Isiolo Girls’ High School marks a turning point in Kenya’s journey toward clean energy adoption.
By prioritizing the health and well-being of students, improving operational efficiency, and contributing to environmental conservation, the initiative reflects the government’s holistic approach to sustainable development.
As the program expands, it promises to create healthier, safer, and more conducive learning environments for students across the country, setting a new standard for clean cooking in public institutions.
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