New Jiko Cookers in Kenyan Schools

A group of Kenyan school boys in blue jumpers surrounding the new stainless steel jiko cooker. Two ladies at the left of the picture are standing behind a large cooking pot, holding a lid.

Following the installation of new jiko cookers at Thamuru and Mwtingiri Primary Schools in Kenya in November 2021, a new jiko cooking stove has now arrived at Ng’ate Primary School.

As you can see in the video we have posted on our Facebook page, it was welcomed with much excitement by the whole school! From the building of the new kitchen lean-to (plastered walls to follow), to the children carrying in the components, it's been a wonderful community effort.

Jiko ovens provide a multitude of benefits in comparison to open fires:

  • Healthier cooking environment, eliminating smoke-related health conditions for school cooks.

  • Efficient burning using less firewood - providing environmental benefits and saving schools money on fuel.

  • The ability to cook multiple dishes simultaneously - such as porridge for the morning break and school lunches.

  • Safe cooking facilities for use during practical cookery lessons.

Education officials, staff, parents and children are all happy to see the school's progress and performance, and the wonderful atmosphere at the school is clear to see.

This is the third jiko oven to be installed in an African Children's Fund-supported primary school in Kenya in the past 3 months so we thank you for your support in making this happen. We know jikos are also needed for additional schools and if you would like to make a contribution towards this, we would be very grateful.

Tamsyn WymerJiko, Kenya, Ng'ate Primary School, Thamuru Primary School, Mwtingiri Primary School, Video, Kitchen, Community