Nakuru: The County Government of Nakuru is intensifying its efforts to promote modern clean cooking technologies as part of its strategy to mitigate the impacts of climate change and reduce health issues related to the use of dirty fuels.
According to Kenya News Agency, Dr. Nelson Maara, the County Executive Committee Member for Water, Environment, Energy, Climate Change, and Natural Resources, announced a public awareness campaign to advance clean cooking. This initiative supports the national government’s Clean Cooking Strategy, designed by the Ministry of Energy and Petroleum, to ensure Kenya achieves universal access to clean energy by 2028.
Dr. Maara emphasized that the county administration is prioritizing renewable energy technologies, including biogas systems, solar energy, and clean cooking solutions, especially targeting rural and peri-urban areas. This statement came after the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding with the 3E (Environment, Entrepreneurship, and Energy) group. The MoU aims to
accelerate climate-smart agriculture, clean energy access, and green entrepreneurship to enhance food security and sustainable development in the region.
The collaboration with the 3E group has already benefited over 95 dairy farmers in Molo Sub-County, providing capacity-building training and quality fodder production for improved milk yield through climate-resilient agriculture. Meanwhile, in Subukia and Solai locations, efforts to revitalize coffee farming are underway with the distribution of 6,600 coffee seedlings to local farmers. The partnership also supports environmental conservation through sustainable agricultural practices and promotes income diversification.
Dr. Maara expressed the county’s goal to reduce reliance on wood fuel, thus promoting forest conservation and healthier living environments. The partnership with the 3E group also aims to empower communities through entrepreneurship, supporting innovation hubs, and providing training and funding for youth and women engaged in eco-friendly e
nterprises. This aligns with Governor Susan Kihika’s green growth agenda.
Despite progress, Dr. Maara noted the challenges posed by traditional fires and cook-stoves, highlighting them as significant health and environmental issues that require urgent attention. Household air pollution, identified by the World Health Organization as a global risk, causes approximately 1.6 million premature deaths annually. In Kenya, 84 percent of households rely on solid fuels, which emit toxic fumes and contribute to indoor pollution.
The ‘Clean Cooking Awareness Campaign’ in collaboration with ‘Practical Action’ is being rolled out across all 11 Sub-Counties. It aims to promote climate-friendly cooking solutions, including efficient biomass stoves and a shift from solid biomass and kerosene to biogas, bioethanol, liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), solar photovoltaic (PV), and electric cooking.
Dr. Maara elaborated on the efficiency of modern cooking stoves, which can reduce fuel use by up to 60 percent, leading to fewer gree
nhouse gas emissions. Currently, only 30 percent of Kenyan households have access to clean cooking solutions, with traditional fireplaces still used by 59 percent of households. The Ministry of Health attributes approximately 23,000 annual deaths in Kenya to household air pollution, disproportionately affecting women, girls, and children.
The partnership is set to positively influence public knowledge and attitudes towards climate-friendly cooking solutions. Dr. Maara highlighted that while many Kenyans are aware of the harmful effects of cooking smoke, they often lack awareness of the benefits of clean and efficient cook stoves and fuels. He emphasized that smoke from dirty fuels contributes to various chronic illnesses and acute health impacts.
Kenya has committed to reducing its greenhouse gas emissions by 32 percent by 2030. Household cooking using firewood, charcoal, and kerosene remains a significant contributor to the country’s emissions. Dr. Maara reiterated the importance of clean cooking solutions
in achieving these environmental goals.