Cabinet Secretary for Energy and Petroleum James Opiyo Wandayi has urged Kenyans to embrace clean cooking solutions, saying the transition from traditional fuels is critical to reducing respiratory illnesses and improving public health.
Speaking during the opening of a two-day Respiratory Medical Camp at KMTC Siaya Campus on Saturday, Wandayi said access to clean energy should not only be viewed as an infrastructure issue but also as a major public health priority.
He commended the Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA), the Siaya County Government, KMTC Siaya Campus, the Chronic Diseases Society and other partners for organizing the medical outreach, describing it as an example of effective collaboration in addressing community health challenges.
“Energy is also about the air we breathe in our homes, the health of our families and the opportunities available to our communities,” he said.
Wandayi noted that millions of Kenyan households continue to rely on firewood and charcoal for cooking, exposing women, children and the elderly to harmful indoor air pollution that contributes to respiratory diseases, eye problems and other health complications.
According to the Cabinet Secretary, about 9.1 million households across the country, including 1.7 million in urban areas and 7.4 million in rural areas, still depend on traditional cooking fuels as their primary source of energy.
To address the challenge, he said the government has set a target of achieving universal access to clean cooking by 2028 through the Kenya National Cooking Transition Strategy 2024–2028.
The strategy brings together several initiatives, including the Bioenergy Strategy, Bioethanol Masterplan, LPG Growth Strategy and Electric Cooking Strategy, under one coordinated framework aimed at expanding access to affordable and sustainable cooking options.
Wandayi said the Ministry is implementing measures to increase the availability of clean cooking technologies and fuels, make them more affordable, promote local manufacturing and fuel production, and enhance public awareness on the health, economic and environmental benefits of clean cooking.
He added that the Integrated National Energy Plan (INEP) 2023–2043 places counties at the centre of clean cooking planning, allowing local governments to develop solutions suited to their communities’ needs and cultural practices.
The Cabinet Secretary encouraged county governments to invest in initiatives such as LPG distribution networks, electric cooking, bioethanol, biogas and improved cookstoves to accelerate the country’s clean cooking agenda while creating jobs and supporting local economic growth.
He also urged residents to take advantage of the free health screening services offered during the two-day medical camp, emphasizing that early diagnosis and prevention remain among the most effective ways of protecting public health.
Wandayi called on all stakeholders to continue working together to ensure every Kenyan has access to cleaner cooking solutions, cleaner air and better health.
