Makueni: Makueni Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jr has called upon principals and heads of institutions to use clean cooking energy, aimed at curbing the wanton destruction of forests in the county. Mutula disclosed that the number of tonnes of firewood consumed daily in schools, hospitals, and churches was alarming, hence the need to embrace renewable energy in cooking to conserve the environment that was threatened with degradation.
According to Kenya News Agency, the governor made the remarks at Konza Technopolis during the Green Energy Promotion and Clean Cooking Advocacy Forum, which brought together secondary school principals, heads of institutions, financiers, and service providers of technology to discuss the way forward on how they can partner in the use of renewable energy for cooking purposes and phase out biomass fuels. ‘The consumption of firewood in our schools and other institutions is alarming. The number of tonnes that are consumed daily is extremely alarming. Therefore, being an Arid and Semi-Arid Land (ASAL) area, it is our job to ensure we protect the environment,’ said Mutula while reading his speech at Konza Technopolis in Mukaa Sub-County.
Mutula also emphasized the potential cost savings for institutions that adopt clean cooking mechanisms, noting that it could ultimately reduce the cost they incur in using electricity and firewood, thus curbing the destruction of forests. He also pointed out the health benefits, observing that the use of firewood had contributed to respiratory diseases and eye problems, which need to be addressed.
Mutula outlined that any new public institutions being constructed in the county must have a plan to harness solar energy to reduce dependence on firewood. The county government has embarked on a comprehensive clean cooking campaign through strategic partnerships and investments in renewable energy infrastructure aimed at reducing dependence on firewood and charcoal. The governor revealed that three County Technical Training Institutes (CTTIs) have already adopted clean cooking energy, and Matiliku Boys High School has received equipment for sustainable cooking.
The county’s clean energy agenda is guided by the Makueni County Energy Plan 2023-2032 and the Makueni Energy Policy 2025, prioritizing access to affordable, sustainable, and reliable energy as a key driver of development. Meanwhile, as part of efforts to accelerate the adoption of clean cooking technologies at the household level, the governor highlighted the recent distribution of 253 liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) cylinders to residents of Kikumbulyu South.
Prof. Izael Pereira Da Silva, Deputy Vice-Chancellor for Research and Innovation at Strathmore University, praised Makueni’s clean cooking initiative, describing it as a transformative program. He warned that reliance on fossil fuels poses significant threats to global climate goals and called for the democratization of energy to empower communities in energy production and consumption.
Dr. Julius Kamau, Associate Director of Energy and Climate Change at Equity Foundation, stressed the need to stop the pressure on forests and natural resources, citing poverty and lack of awareness as contributing factors. The organization has planted 45 million trees in the country, with 500,000 in Makueni County, to help conserve the environment.
Benson Ireri, Head of Clean Cooking Delivery Unit, announced the government’s intention to transition all households and public institutions to clean cooking by 2028, as part of the Kenya Transition Cooking Strategy. He emphasized the importance of viewing clean energy as an investment opportunity to unlock necessary capital.
Dr. Johnson Ndivo, Chairperson of the Kenya Secondary School Heads Association (KESSHA) in Makueni County, urged the Ministry of Education to facilitate financial credit facilities for schools to hasten the adoption of clean cooking technologies. The forum concluded with a unanimous agreement to invest further in renewable energy for a faster transition away from fossil fuels.
The event was attended by various partners, including officials from Kenya Commercial Bank, UK PACT, CLAPSY, and the County Executive for Infrastructure, Transport and Energy, Eng. Peter Mumo, among others. The forum aimed to expand access to clean cooking technologies and accelerate renewable energy adoption across Makueni County.
