Kajiado: The Kenyan government announced an ambitious plan to ensure universal access to clean cooking solutions by 2028, launching three key strategies intended to guide the transition and mobilize resources. The initiative was unveiled during the 5th edition of the Clean Cooking Week 2024 expo held in Kajiado, reflecting a national commitment to reducing harmful cooking practices.
According to Kenya News Agency, the State Department for Energy introduced the Kenya National Cooking Transition Strategy (2024), the Kenya National Electric Cooking Strategy (2024), and the Knowledge Management Strategy. These strategies aim to create a comprehensive roadmap for clean cooking, integrate electrification policies, and enhance data management in the sector. Principal Secretary Alex Wachira highlighted the urgent need for clean cooking energy, which will be prioritized in the ongoing energy policy review.
Wachira indicated that the government aims for 50% of the population to use Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG), 30%
bioethanol, 10% electric cooking, 3% biogas, and 7% sustainable biomass by 2028. Achieving these targets will require mobilizing approximately US$492 million over five years. The funding is expected to come from a mix of government funding, equity debt, grants, result-based financing, carbon financing, and crowdfunding.
The government has called on development partners and the private sector to invest in clean cooking initiatives and encouraged county governments to engage in resource mobilization to meet their energy targets. Wachira emphasized the importance of partnerships to attract investments and reduce the environmental and health impacts of traditional cooking methods.
The Principal Secretary acknowledged the support of various development partner agencies, including the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, UK Partnerships for Accelerating Climate Transitions, GIZ, Green Climate Fund, Energizing Development, Modern Energy Cooking Services, AFD, and Loughborough University. He underscored th
e significant environmental and health benefits of clean cooking, as household air pollution from biomass fuels leads to millions of deaths globally, including 23,000 annually in Kenya.
The transition to clean cooking is particularly pertinent for rural areas and informal settlements where access to alternative fuels is limited. Additionally, educational, health, and correctional institutions in Kenya currently consume substantial amounts of firewood and charcoal, contributing to environmental degradation. The State Department of Petroleum is spearheading an afforestation drive in Ngong forest to enhance forest cover.
Daniel Wanjohi, Chairperson of the Clean Cooking Association of Kenya, expressed optimism that the new strategies will attract more resources from development partners, providing a clear blueprint to accelerate clean cooking adoption. The theme of this year’s Clean Cooking Week, “Strategy to Action: Partner, Invest, and Implement,” underscores the collaborative effort required to achieve these
ambitious goals.