GUCHA, KISII COUNTY — Mariba village in Gucha sub-county is undergoing a significant transformation as residents increasingly adopt cooking gas in place of traditional firewood, a change that is enhancing their quality of life and benefiting the environment.
According to Kenya News Agency, the Sub-County Forest Officer, the switch to gas has led to a substantial decrease in tree cutting for fuel, aiding local afforestation efforts. “Tree cutting has significantly decreased,” Osoro noted, adding that the former widespread practice of charcoal production is also on the decline. He attributed these environmental gains to the widespread adoption of cooking gas and the success of civil education campaigns that have informed residents about the benefits of cleaner energy sources.
John Nyangaresi, a village elder, described the personal and community benefits of this transition. He emphasized the convenience and health advantages of using cooking gas over firewood, which often produced harmful smoke that affected the respiratory health of the community’s women and children. “Using cooking gas is more comfortable compared to firewood,” Nyangaresi explained. He highlighted the social change as well, noting that the time once spent gathering firewood is now used for more productive activities, aiding community development.
Annette Sarange, a local gas vendor, corroborated these observations. She reported a significant increase in gas cylinder sales over the past two years, reflecting the community’s growing preference for this safer and more efficient energy source. “I’ve sold more gas cylinders in the past two years than in the entire previous decade since I started this business in 2014,” Sarange said. She also noted the community’s commitment to safety, stating, “I am happy because locals have learned how to use the gas safely. I have never heard of any case of explosions.”
Despite these improvements, Nyangaresi acknowledged that the cost of cooking gas remains a barrier for some residents, preventing a complete transition away from firewood. He expressed the community’s hope that the government will intervene to manage rising costs and support wider access to cooking gas.