Last year, Mr David Muange, the principal of Katwanyaa High School in Machakos County, experienced a transformative encounter at the KCB branch at Tala near Kangundo. As the leader of a mixed school with 975 students, Mr Muange always strived to manage the institution efficiently. Recognising the long-standing relationship between the school and KCB, he shared a concern with his relationship manager regarding the escalating expenditure on firewood, which had reached KShs. 700,000 per term.
Intrigued by the possibilities, Mr. Muange eagerly explored the LPG financing programme offered by KCB. Eventually, the school became a beneficiary of the programme, receiving KShs. 1.2 million from the Bank in September 2022, which enabled them to acquire a 1,000-kilogram LPG gas cylinder. This transition to LPG has profoundly impacted the school’s operations.
Mr Muange highlights the advantages of using LPG for cooking, emphasising its speed, hygiene, and cost-effectiveness. With LPG, their expenses were reduced to approximately KShs. 420,000 per term, representing a significant 40% cost savings. Moreover, the absence of smoke during cooking has made the process easier for the cooks, resulting in better student meals.
The principal also notes that the switch to LPG has enabled the school to streamline its workforce in the kitchen. With the reduced workload, they could decrease the number of cooks from six to four. Additionally, using LPG has allowed the school to repurpose the space previously utilised for storing firewood, contributing to more efficient use of their limited land.
Importantly, Mr Muange highlights the environmental benefits of embracing LPG. By shifting away from firewood, the school has contributed to conserving trees in the surrounding area. This positive step toward sustainability aligns with the broader goal of mitigating climate change, which Mr Muange believes can be achieved if more schools adopt LPG as an alternative to firewood.
Encouraged by the success of the LPG project, Mr Muange expresses openness to further collaboration with KCB, particularly for future initiatives such as the construction of a kitchen and dining hall. Mr Patrick Nzioka, a cook at the school, echoes the principal’s sentiments, highlighting the transformative impact of LPG on their work and overall quality of life.
This inspiring story showcases the positive impact sustainable initiatives, such as adopting LPG, can have on educational institutions. Through its partnership with KCB, Katwanyaa High School has not only reduced costs and improved efficiency but also contributed to environmental conservation and enhanced the well-being of its staff and students
