Developing an Innovative and Sustainable Market-Based Systems for Enhancing Diffusion of Clean Cooking Solutions in Kenya

Author(s): Benard O. Muok

The aim of the study was to look at evidence of barriers in the development of clan cooking solutions market in Kenya and made actionable recommendations on how to improve the diffusion of clean cooking solutions within a market based approach. The ultimate goal is to enhance the adoption and diffusion of clean cooking solutions through innovative and sustainable market approach that addresses issues such as a demand-driven approach to facilitate adoption of clean cooking solutions. The study was conducted in ten (10) representative counties in Kenya including Kwale (Coast region), Migori (South Western region), Homa Bay (South Western region), Kisumu (Lake Victoria region), Vihiga (Western region), Nakuru (Central Reft region), Kajiado (South Rift region), Machakos (South Eastern region) and Meru (North Eastern region). The study was carried out through a national level inventory to provide a broad idea of the status of clean cooking solution market. The study used mixed methods and approaches including desk reviews, stakeholder interviews, case studies and focus group discussions. Both quantitative and qualitative data was collected using mixed methodologies such as desk review, household surveys using questionnaires, key informant interviews and focus group discussions to capture all actors in the value chain including producers, traders, consumers, researchers, development agents and policy makers. The key issues rotate around affordability, availability, quality, suitability and awareness including capacity. What is required is adoption of a strategic approach to addressing the various challenges that have been identified including creating a condusive policy framework to unlock to the potentials of clean cooking solution in the country.

Clean Cooking Solutions, Sustainable Market, Opportunities, Challenges, Policy

1. Adkins E., Tyler E., Wang J., Siriri D., Modi V. 2010. Field testing and survey evaluation of household biomass cookstoves in rural sub-Saharan Africa Edwin. Energy for sustainable development; 172–185.
2. Clough, L. (2012). The Improved Cookstove Sector in East Africa: Experience from the Developing Energy Enterprise Programme (DEEP). GVEP International, London. United Kingdom.
3. Delegation of German Industry and Commerce in Kenya (DGICK). 2013. Target market study Kenya. Delegation of German industry and commerce in Kenya. Solar PV and wind power. Nairobi: German Energy Desk, July 2013. Available at , last accessed March 15, 2018.
4. International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) (2015). Energy poverty, Available at , last accessed on June 13, 2018. 

5. Lambe, F., Jürisoo, M., Wanjiru, H. and Senyagwa, J. (2015). Bringing Clean, Safe, Affordable Cooking.
6. Muok B. O. and Makokha, W.B. (2017). Accelerating access to energy to rural poor in Kenya through pico-solar market development. International Journal of New Technology and Research.
7. UNIDO (2015). Baseline Report on Clean Cooking Fuels in the East African Community. https://projectgaia.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/12/Baseline-report-pdf-compressed-4.pdf .