(L-R) Gilbert Sigei, Dean of Students Tenwek Hospital College School of Health Sciences, Equity Bomet branch Manager Richard Koech and Heatmax Energy Director Shellemiah Ouma inspect the newly installed gas cylinder at the college on Wednesday, January 29, 2025.
Equity Group Foundation (EGF) has facilitated Tenwek Hospital’s transition from firewood to Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG), marking a major milestone in the adoption of clean energy for institutional cooking. This shift benefits the School of Health Sciences at Tenwek Hospital College, ensuring a healthier and more efficient cooking environment for students and staff.
Equity Bank’s Bomet Branch played a crucial role in the transformation, supporting the installation of a one-tonne LPG cylinder and a modern piping system. This move aligns with EGF’s broader sustainability agenda, which promotes clean energy solutions to enhance health and environmental outcomes.
Speaking at the commissioning of the new LPG system, Vincent Langat, a cook at Tenwek Hospital, reflected on the challenges of 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. Now, cooking is much easier and healthier.”
The transition was widely welcomed, with Tenwek Hospital CEO, Benjamin Siele, expressing appreciation for Equity’s support.
“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.”
Siele also recalled Equity’s longstanding partnership with Tenwek Hospital, notably during the COVID-19 pandemic, when the bank donated Personal Protective Equipment (PPEs) and essential medical supplies.
“I particularly remember the support that came through when Equity Group CEO, Dr. James Mwangi, personally flew in to donate equipment. That assistance was invaluable in combating the COVID crisis.”
Equity Bank Bomet Branch Manager, Richard Koech, emphasized the environmental impact of the transition, noting how it supports the preservation of forests and improves indoor air quality.
“By shifting from firewood to LPG, Tenwek Hospital is not only improving the health of its staff and students but also helping to conserve our environment. During my initial visit, the thick smoke in the kitchen made the area nearly uninhabitable. This transformation is a game-changer.”
Heatmax Energy, the firm behind the LPG installation, assured continued after-sales support for the hospital. Shellemiah Ouma, Director of Heatmax Energy, highlighted the efficiency of LPG in large-scale institutional cooking.
“Cooking with LPG is faster, cleaner, and more efficient for institutions preparing meals for large groups. We have worked with Equity to install similar systems in schools and hospitals across the Rift Valley, including Tenges and Turbo Girls Schools.”
The transition was swift, taking only ten days to complete. Jackson Mosonik, a representative from Tenwek Hospital College, praised the seamless process and the benefits of adopting cleaner energy.
“Equity enlightened us about LPG’s benefits, and after a benchmarking visit, we were fully convinced to make the switch.”
EGF remains dedicated to fostering sustainable development through strategic partnerships that promote clean energy adoption, environmental conservation, and improved health outcomes. By supporting institutions like Tenwek Hospital, Equity is driving a larger shift towards cleaner, safer, and more efficient energy solutions across Kenya.
With Tenwek Hospital leading the way, this initiative is expected to inspire more institutions in Bomet County and beyond to embrace sustainable energy solutions for a greener future