Petroleum Institute of East Africa has partnered with the government in a move that will see the introduction of piped LPG gas into housing units.
PIEA Friday released a report recording approximately 21,500 deaths annually due to respiratory diseases this is 40 per cent of Kenya’s health burden caused largely by indoor pollution due to cooking with firewood, charcoal and kerosene, a preventable health burden.
PIEA and the government in this regard have devised a strategic plan sponsored by Stanbic bank to ensure that Kenyan households switch from charcoal and firewood to LPG as a clean and cheap alternative source of energy.
PIEA has noted that LPG is a clean safer and cheaper alternative to firewood, charcoal and clean cook stoves. The LPG cylinder is guaranteed eight years while the stove has a guarantee of two years before revalidation.
State Department of Petroleum, Principal Secretary (PS), Andrew Kamau said that they are looking towards introducing Pay As You Go (PAYG) piped gas in the housing units where citizens will use what they pay for, in order to minimize the use of charcoal and firewood.
“In housing cluster is to introduce piped gas in housing so that all these affordable houses we are building we need to see people use piped gas in their homes and Pay As You Go gas meters,” Kamau said.
The PS further noted part of the challenges is the misconception about the dangers of LPG which is actually not as dangerous as cooking with charcoal and firewood.
Kamau urged petroleum industries to invest in LPG and in piped gas to provide the service towards affordable housing to help in the aim for universal health coverage.
In attendance, Nakuru Governor, Lee Kinyanjui said that there has been a massive encroachment of forests and deforestation and lauded the PIEA and the government for the project.
“No matter the dangers of firewood and charcoal, as long as you do not provide a viable alternative for fuel people will continue using charcoal and firewood as forms of fuel,” Kinyanjui said.
By Charles Kirundi/Hillary Wangila /Alice Gworo
