The Carbon Footprint of a Kenyan Healthcare Setting

Objectives: This research sought to address the paucity of information on the carbon footprint of the Kenyan Healthcare Sector. Methods: An analysis of the greenhouse gases emissions of Kericho County Referral Hospital, Kericho County, Kenya, was done, using the 2022 Greenhouse Protocol. The Aga Khan Development Network Carbon Management Tool – version 1.6.3., was employed to calculate and identify the hospital’s carbon emissions and hotspots, retrospectively, over a twelve-month period. Results: The total carbon emissions at Kericho County Referral Hospital between the month of July, 2023 and June, 2024 were 318,155.37 kgCO2e. The highest carbon hotspot identified at the facility, was consumption of grid electricity, amounting to 52% of the total emissions. The medium carbon hotspots were from waste incineration, vehicle fuel and liquid fuel use. The low carbon hotspots were solid fuel, anesthetic gases, inhalers dispensed and refrigerants used. Conclusion: Kericho County Referral Hospital releases a substantial amount of greenhouse gases from its operations. Policy frameworks should incentivize the adoption of energy-efficient technologies, and support the transition to renewable energy. Initiatives such as reducing, re-using and recycling should be put in place to decrease the quantity of waste generated and incinerated.