In many schools across Kenya, energy systems haven’t changed much in decades. From firewood kitchens to unreliable electricity, outdated energy choices are taking a silent toll on our learning institutions. While these methods may seem affordable or familiar, the reality is they come with heavy, long-term costs — to health, productivity, and the environment.
It’s time we look beyond the smoke and see what it’s truly costing us.
A Tradition That’s Wearing Us Down
More than 90% of schools still rely on firewood for cooking, with smoke-filled kitchens and staff working in unsafe, high-risk environments. It’s not just the cooks who suffer. Smoke wafts into classrooms, affecting concentration, triggering respiratory problems, and silently lowering academic performance.
But firewood is only one part of the problem.
Hidden Costs Lurking in Plain Sight
What looks affordable on the surface can be expensive underneath. Firewood requires constant sourcing, secure storage, and additional labour not to mention repairs to soot-damaged buildings.
And then there’s the health cost: staff with chronic illness from smoke inhalation, students exposed to fumes, and kitchens operating far below acceptable safety standards.
The Environmental Price Tag
Every log of firewood adds up — contributing to deforestation, harming biodiversity, and worsening climate change. Schools, often unknowingly, become contributors to a crisis their students will inherit.
But there’s good news: change is not only possible, it’s already happening.
The Smarter Way Forward
Clean energy solutions for schools aren’t just about going green they’re about running better.
- Electric and Steam-Based Kitchens drastically reduce cooking time and eliminate smoke
- Solar Power Systems provide autonomous electricity that powers classrooms, dorms, and labs, even beyond the kitchen.
These systems are safe, scalable, and environmentally responsible with some institutions already saving hundreds of thousands annually in operational costs.
KCB’s Role: Financing the Future
Through KCB’s Clean Energy Financing, schools can now transition to modern energy solutions with 100% financing, flexible repayment terms, and expert support. Whether it’s steam systems, solar installations, efficient electric cookers, or hybrid setups we fund it all.
What’s more, these upgrades come with long-term benefits like reduced staffing needs, lower health risks, and even potential carbon credit gains.
It’s Time to Lead the Change
As leaders, boards, parents, and communities the decisions we make today shape the school environments of tomorrow.
We can no longer ignore the smoke behind the blackboard.
Not when safer, cleaner, smarter options are within reach.
Not when financing is available.
Not when our children’s learning and well-being are on the line.
Ready to begin embrace new solutions?
