The National Council for Nomadic Education in Kenya (Naconek) has welcomed the government’s clean cooking initiative, a move that aims to phase out traditional biomass fuel in favor of steam-powered cooking technology in schools. This initiative, spearheaded by the Ministry of Education in collaboration with the Ministry of Environment, marks a crucial step in reducing carbon emissions and promoting environmental sustainability.
President William Ruto launched the pilot project last week at Garissa High School, underscoring its significance in mitigating deforestation and improving health conditions for school communities. Naconek chairman Harun Yussuf hailed the initiative as a transformative approach to transitioning Kenyan schools to cleaner, more efficient, and eco-friendly cooking methods.
“The initiative is a key government strategy that will not only provide sustainable cooking energy but also foster economic empowerment through carbon credit initiatives,” Yussuf stated. He emphasized that by replacing firewood and charcoal with steam-powered cooking technology, schools would contribute to global climate action efforts while enhancing the quality of life for students and staff.
During the launch, President Ruto reiterated the government’s commitment to expanding the program nationwide. “This initiative aligns with global efforts to reduce carbon emissions and deforestation. Kenya is fully committed to playing its part in this movement towards clean cooking,” he said.
The President highlighted that schools are a primary focus of the initiative, as millions of learners rely on natural resources for cooking. “Instead of firewood, we will transition to gas, and instead of using gas directly, we will power our cooking with steam,” he explained. He directed the Ministries of Education and Environment to complete the pilot phase swiftly and present the findings for Cabinet approval.
Kenya has positioned itself as a regional leader in climate action, and this program reinforces its commitment to sustainability. By leveraging carbon financing, the government also aims to sustain the School Meals Programme, which currently supports 2.6 million learners in 8,185 schools. The clean cooking initiative is expected to enhance the efficiency of meal preparation while significantly reducing reliance on unsustainable energy sources.
As the pilot phase progresses, stakeholders are optimistic that this initiative will revolutionize school feeding programs, improve air quality, and contribute to Kenya’s broader environmental and economic goals. With strong government backing and cross-sector collaboration, the transition to clean cooking in schools could set a precedent for other institutions across the country and beyond.
