Equity Group Foundation (EGF) is proud to celebrate Tenwek Hospital’s transition from firewood to Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG), marking a significant milestone in promoting clean energy solutions in institutional cooking. The switch benefits the School of Health Sciences at Tenwek Hospital College in Bomet County, where students and staff now enjoy a healthier and more efficient cooking environment.
Equity Bank Bomet Branch played a pivotal role in this transformation, supporting the installation of a one-tonne LPG cylinder and piping system. This shift aligns with EGF’s commitment to sustainable energy solutions that improve health and environmental outcomes. Speaking at the commissioning of the new plant, Vincent Langat, a cook at Tenwek Hospital, shared how the transition has eliminated the health hazards previously associated with firewood cooking.
“Smoke was a major problem, especially when firewood was wet. Many of us suffered from eye irritation, chest pain, and the physical strain of chopping wood,” Langat said. “Now, cooking is much easier and healthier. Tenwek Hospital CEO, Benjamin Siele, applauded Equity for supporting the hospital’s clean energy journey, noting that the switch to LPG was a long-awaited solution.
“Through Equity, we have accessed the energy solutions we needed. We are truly grateful, not only for this support but also for linking us with Heatmax Energy, the LPG installation vendor. We look forward to even greater collaboration with the bank, including our upcoming Hearts in Motion Marathon,” said Siele. He further recalled Equity’s longstanding partnership with the hospital, highlighting the donation of Personal Protective Equipment (PPEs) at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic.
“I particularly remember the support when Equity Group CEO, Dr. James Mwangi, personally flew in to donate equipment and essential medical supplies. That assistance was invaluable in combating the COVID crisis,” Siele added. Equity Bank Bomet Branch Manager, Richard Koech, emphasized the broader environmental impact of the transition to LPG “Equity is deeply committed to environmental conservation. By shifting from firewood to LPG, Tenwek Hospital is improving the health of its staff and students and helping preserve our forests,” Koech said. He recalled his initial visit to the hospital’s kitchen, where thick smoke made the area nearly uninhabitable.
“We can support more institutions in adopting clean cooking solutions. Tenwek Hospital’s leadership in this transition sets a precedent that will inspire other institutions across Bomet County,” he added. Heatmax Energy Director, Shellemiah Ouma, highlighted the efficiency of LPG in large-scale institutional cooking.
“Cooking with LPG is faster, cleaner, and more efficient for institutions that prepare meals for large groups. We have worked with Equity to install similar systems in other schools and hospitals in the Rift Valley, including Tenges and Turbo Girls schools,” Ouma noted, assuring institutions of ongoing after-sales service at no extra cost. Jackson Mosonik, a representative from Tenwek Hospital College, expressed gratitude for the seamless transition to LPG. “We were surprised at how quickly the installation was completed—it took only ten days! Equity enlightened us about the benefits of LPG, and after a benchmarking visit, we were fully convinced to make the switch,” Mosonik said.
Equity Group Foundation remains committed to fostering sustainable development through strategic partnerships that promote clean energy, environmental conservation, and improved health outcomes for communities across Kenya.
