Home › Guides › Commercial kitchen equipment
Equipping a School Kitchen for a School Feeding Programme in Kenya

- Big burners for big pots
- Stainless prep and washing
- Safe drinking water
- Separate raw, cooking and washing
On this page
Why School Kitchens Need Commercial Equipment
School meals programmes, run by the national government, counties and partners, have grown the number of pupils fed at school. Cooking for hundreds of children twice a day on firewood or domestic burners is slow, smoky and unsafe. Commercial gas cookers, stainless surfaces and proper washing make meals faster, cleaner and cheaper to run.
Equipment List
6 burner(cooker)KSh 50,000
stainless commercial 4 burner high pressure cookerKSh 40,000
4 burner(jiko) low pressureKSh 38,000
2 by 4 stainless steel working table with rackKSh 25,000
Double sink with tableKSh 68,000
Stainless Steel kitchen Inserts(150 1/2)KSh 3,500
Stainless Steel kitchen Inserts(100 1/1)KSh 4,000| Product | Price |
|---|---|
| 6 burner(cooker) | KSh 50,000 |
| stainless commercial 4 burner high pressure cooker | KSh 40,000 |
| 4 burner(jiko) low pressure | KSh 38,000 |
| 2 by 4 stainless steel working table with rack | KSh 25,000 |
| Double sink with table | KSh 68,000 |
| Stainless Steel kitchen Inserts(150 1/2) | KSh 3,500 |
| Stainless Steel kitchen Inserts(100 1/1) | KSh 4,000 |
Current listed prices incl. VAT (updated 12 October 2026).
- Cooking: high-pressure burners heat large sufurias of githeri, rice and porridge quickly; low-pressure burners suit long simmering (gas cooker guide).
- Preparation: stainless work tables for sorting grains and cutting vegetables (work table prices).
- Washing: a double sink with table for pots and utensils.
- Serving: stainless inserts and serving trays (insert sizes).
- Storage: raised shelving for dry food, off the floor and away from walls.
Safe Drinking Water for Pupils
Clean drinking water matters as much as the meal. Many schools use borehole or rainwater that needs treatment. See water treatment for schools and milk for schools.
Layout for a School Kitchen
- Receiving and dry store near the delivery door.
- Preparation next to the store.
- Cooking line under good ventilation, with gas cylinders outside in a ventilated cage (LPG installation guide).
- Serving hatch facing the dining area.
- Washing area near the exit for returned plates, away from food preparation.
More on flow: commercial kitchen layout guide.
Hygiene Checklist
- Food handlers certificates for cooks (certificate guide).
- Hand-washing point with soap at the kitchen entrance.
- Clean, covered food storage and pest control.
- Pots and serving tools washed and dried after every meal.
Gas vs Firewood: Running Cost
Firewood is getting scarcer and more expensive, and smoke harms cooks’ health. Efficient commercial gas burners cook faster and cleanly; track your monthly fuel cost before and after switching to compare.
Frequently asked questions
What equipment does a school kitchen need?
High-capacity gas cookers, stainless prep tables, a double sink, serving inserts, storage and safe drinking water.
Which gas burner is best for big school sufurias?
High-pressure burners heat large pots fastest; low-pressure suits long simmering.
How do schools get safe drinking water?
By treating borehole or rainwater with filtration, RO or UV depending on the water test.
Do school cooks need food handlers certificates?
Yes, everyone who prepares food needs a valid certificate.
Is gas cheaper than firewood for schools?
Compare monthly fuel costs; gas is cleaner and faster and firewood prices keep rising.
