Nyamunga Secondary School Slashes Energy Costs by 38% Through Clean Cooking Initiative
In a groundbreaking sustainability effort, Nyamunga Secondary School in Mara Region has dramatically reduced its monthly cooking expenses by 38 percent, cutting costs from 1.6 million to 1 million shillings by adopting clean cooking energy technologies.
The school’s strategic investment of over 11 million shillings in advanced gas stove installations has transformed its cooking infrastructure, delivering significant economic and environmental benefits. Within just two months of implementation, the school has experienced remarkable operational efficiency and cost savings.
School leadership emphasizes that this initiative aligns with national goals to reduce unsafe cooking energy usage, targeting 80 percent clean energy adoption by 2034. The project challenges traditional perceptions about clean energy being expensive, instead highlighting its economic and health advantages.
Kitchen staff have reported substantial improvements in working conditions. Previously struggling with smoke-filled environments and unreliable firewood, cooks now enjoy a more efficient and comfortable cooking experience.
Local community members like Boaz Mane have welcomed the transition, recognizing the broader environmental impact. The shift to gas cooking addresses critical issues of deforestation and climate change, providing a sustainable alternative that particularly benefits women who traditionally manage household cooking.
This innovative approach demonstrates how educational institutions can lead meaningful environmental and economic transformations, serving as a model for sustainable development in rural communities.