Equity Group Foundation has helped Tenwek Hospital move from using firewood to Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) for cooking. This change 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. It aligns with Equity’s commitment to sustainable energy solutions that improve health and protect the environment.
At the commissioning of the new plant, Vincent Langat, a cook at Tenwek Hospital, described how the transition has eliminated the health risks linked to firewood cooking.
“Smoke was a major problem, especially when firewood was wet. Many of us suffered from eye irritation, chest pain, and the strain of chopping wood,” Langat said. “Now, cooking is much easier and healthier.”
Tenwek Hospital CEO, Benjamin Siele, praised Equity for supporting the hospital’s clean energy journey. He described the switch to LPG as 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,” Siele said.
He also recalled Equity’s previous support, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic.
“I particularly remember the support that came through 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, highlighted the environmental impact of the switch to LPG.
“Equity is deeply committed to environmental conservation. By shifting from firewood to LPG, Tenwek Hospital is not only improving the health of its staff and students but also helping to preserve our forests,” Koech said.
He recalled his first 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, explained the benefits of LPG in large-scale 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 said. He also assured institutions of ongoing after-sales service at no extra cost.
Jackson Mosonik, a representative from Tenwek Hospital College, expressed gratitude for the smooth 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.