Wandayi Pushes Clean Cooking Agenda to Curb Rising Respiratory Diseases
By Peace Muthoka
SIAYA, Sept. 27, 2026 — Energy and Petroleum Cabinet Secretary James Opiyo Wandayi has called for faster adoption of clean cooking solutions, saying millions of Kenyans continue to face serious health risks from smoke produced by firewood and charcoal.
Speaking during the opening of a two-day respiratory medical camp at Kenya Medical Training College (KMTC) Siaya Campus, Wandayi said clean cooking should be viewed as a public health priority rather than simply an energy issue.
He revealed that about 9.1 million households across the country still rely on traditional cooking fuels, exposing women, children and older people to indoor air pollution that contributes to respiratory illnesses, eye infections and other health complications.
“The choices we make about energy directly affect the air we breathe, the health of our families and the quality of life in our communities,” he said.
To address the challenge, Wandayi said the government is pursuing universal access to clean cooking by 2028 through the Kenya National Cooking Transition Strategy 2024–2028. He noted that the strategy provides a clear roadmap for expanding access to affordable, safe and sustainable cooking technologies nationwide.
He said the plan harmonises key initiatives, including the LPG Growth Strategy, Electric Cooking Strategy, Bioenergy Strategy and the Bioethanol Masterplan, into one coordinated framework. As a result, households will have a wider range of clean cooking options suited to their different needs and living conditions.
Meanwhile, the ministry is working to increase the availability of clean cooking technologies while tackling affordability challenges that have slowed their uptake, particularly among low-income families.
Wandayi added that the government is promoting local production of clean cooking equipment and fuels to improve access, create jobs and stimulate economic growth.
He also underscored the importance of public awareness, noting that many households remain unaware of the health, environmental and economic benefits of switching to cleaner cooking solutions.
Further, the Cabinet Secretary urged county governments to take advantage of the Integrated National Energy Plan (INEP) 2023–2043, saying the framework gives counties greater responsibility in designing energy solutions that reflect local needs, resources and cultural practices.
According to him, counties can accelerate the clean cooking transition by investing in LPG distribution networks, electric cooking programmes, bioethanol initiatives, biogas projects and improved cookstoves.
As the medical camp got underway, Wandayi encouraged residents to utilise the free screening services, stressing that early detection remains one of the most effective ways of preventing chronic respiratory diseases.
He called for stronger collaboration between the national government, counties, healthcare institutions and development partners to ensure every Kenyan has access to cleaner air, healthier homes and safe cooking solutions.
