The Biomass Challenge In Kenya
Modern Energy Cooking Services (MECS)
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Abstract: This policy brief explores biomass use across Kenya, focusing on unsustainable fuelwood and charcoal harvesting and its ecological impact. Production zones such as Mau, Ukambani, and the coast face deforestation and biodiversity loss due to intense biomass exploitation. Charcoal supports ~0.6M livelihoods but contributes to 35 MT CO?eq emissions annually. MECS proposes a transition to electric cooking using Kenya?s reliable grid. Initiatives like the Maasai Women Environment Conservation Champions (MWECC) demonstrate community-driven solutions. The brief calls for policy integration, financing, and household-level behavior change to catalyze clean cooking uptake in biomass-dependent counties.
Author:
Emily Bolo, Salome Okoth, Joanes Atela, Tom Randa, Haron Akala, Paul Osogo
Theme/Sector:
Biomass, Energy and Fuels, Clean Cooking, Arid and Semi-Arid Land (ASAL)
Year
2022