Clean energy proves cheaper for Nyamunga Secondary School
The National Torch Race leader, Mr Ismail Ussi, speaks during the launch of a clean cooking energy project at Nyamunga Secondary School in Rorya District in Mara recently. PHOTO | BELDINA NYAKEKE
What you need to know:
- This impressive transformation follows the school’s decision to adopt clean cooking energy, showcasing how communities and institutions can effectively lower costs while championing environmental protection by moving away from traditional reliance on firewood and charcoal.
Mara. Nyamunga Secondary School, nestled in the vibrant Rorya District of Mara Region, has achieved a remarkable feat in sustainability by significantly slashing its monthly cooking energy expenses by 38 percent, reducing the cost from Sh1.6 million to Sh1 million.
This impressive transformation follows the school’s decision to adopt clean cooking energy, showcasing how communities and institutions can effectively lower costs while championing environmental protection by moving away from traditional reliance on firewood and charcoal.
On August 19, 2025, the headmaster of Nyamunga Secondary School, Patrick Wadugu, presented this impactful report to the National Torch Race leader. He revealed that the school invested over Sh11 million in the clean energy initiative.
“We installed and fitted three advanced gas stoves, and within just two months of utilising them, the results have been outstanding. We’ve significantly cut our operating costs and can now prepare meals for our students with much greater efficiency,” he explained enthusiastically, reflecting the pride and optimism within the school.
Mr Wadugu further elaborated that this initiative is in line with the government’s broader efforts to decrease unsafe cooking energy usage, all aiming for an ambitious national target of 80 percent adoption of clean cooking energy by 2034.
He strongly emphasised that the common perception of clean energy being overly expensive is a misconception. Instead, he highlighted it as a more economical, efficient, and healthier alternative.
During the project’s launch ceremony, the National Torch Race leader, Ismail Ussi, passionately urged citizens to embrace the transition to clean energy.
He articulated that this significant shift not only helps in minimising costs but also provides essential protections for both public health and the environment. “The environmental degradation we witness is largely driven by the rampant use of firewood and charcoal.
Our President has continually stressed that clean cooking energy represents one of the most effective safeguards for our health and our precious environment,” he declared, underscoring the urgency of the matter.
Rhobi Magesa, a dedicated school cook, shared her heartfelt experience, detailing the profound impact of the project on their daily work. “Previously, cooking meals took an agonizingly long time, and we were often overwhelmed by smoke.
On occasion, we had to resort to using damp firewood, which made the cooking process not only frustrating but challenging,” she recounted, visibly relieved by the changes.
In addition, Boaz Mane, a resident of Nyamunga village, expressed his gratitude for the availability of gas as a solution to the escalating scarcity of firewood. “We have witnessed too many trees cut down, and the changing weather patterns are evident.
Today, gas has emerged as a true lifesaver for many families, especially for women who handle the majority of the cooking,” he remarked, emphasising the positive shift in their lives brought about by this clean energy initiative,” he said.
