The Kenya Forest Service (KFS) has intensified its campaign to promote clean energy in learning institutions with the commissioning of a new 50-cubic-metre biogas plant at St. Agatha Mokwo Girls Secondary School, a project expected to significantly reduce the school's dependence on firewood while supporting environmental conservation.

The facility was officially commissioned by the Head of Public Service, Felix Koskei, alongside the Chief Conservator of Forests, Alex Lemarkoko, in the presence of government officials, development partners and members of the local community.

The new biogas plant complements an existing 30-cubic-metre biogas system and a school bakery that were previously established by KFS through the Green Zones Development Support Project (GZDSP) Phase I.

According to KFS, the expanded clean energy infrastructure will substantially increase the school's capacity to meet its cooking energy needs using renewable sources, reducing the amount of firewood consumed, cutting operational costs and creating a healthier environment for students and staff.

The initiative forms part of the Kenya Forest Service's broader strategy of promoting alternative sources of energy to ease pressure on the country's forests, which continue to face threats from deforestation driven largely by demand for fuelwood.

Speaking during the commissioning ceremony, Chief Conservator of Forests Alex Lemarkoko reaffirmed the Service's commitment to supporting clean energy solutions that protect forests while improving the welfare of institutions and surrounding communities.

KFS noted that replacing firewood with biogas not only conserves forests but also contributes to the country's climate action efforts by reducing greenhouse gas emissions associated with traditional biomass fuels.

Beyond the biogas investment, the Kenya Forest Service has also strengthened educational infrastructure at the school through the construction of a modern biochemistry laboratory aimed at improving science education and research.

The Service has further supported environmental restoration initiatives by promoting tree planting and rehabilitating riparian areas along the river bordering the school. The restoration programme is intended to safeguard water catchment areas, restore degraded ecosystems and improve biodiversity while enhancing the resilience of local communities to climate change.

Officials said the projects demonstrate an integrated approach that combines environmental conservation with education and community development, ensuring that schools become active partners in sustainable natural resource management.

The interventions also align with the government's national agenda of increasing tree cover, promoting renewable energy, restoring degraded landscapes and strengthening climate resilience across public institutions.

The Green Zones Development Support Project has been instrumental in supporting ecosystem restoration while introducing sustainable livelihood initiatives in communities neighbouring forests, helping reduce human pressure on fragile ecosystems.

The commissioning ceremony brought together KFS Board Chairperson Titus Korir, senior Kenya Forest Service officials, representatives from national and county governments, development partners and members of the local community.

Participants emphasized the importance of partnerships between government agencies, educational institutions and development organizations in accelerating Kenya's transition to clean energy while safeguarding forests for future generations.

As the country continues pursuing its climate action commitments, KFS says investments in renewable energy technologies such as biogas will remain a critical tool in reducing deforestation, lowering carbon emissions and creating environmentally sustainable institutions capable of supporting long-term national development.