Market-building efforts drive climate-friendly cooking in Coastal Kenya

A cooking revolution is gathering pace across Mombasa County, Kenya, where improved cookstoves (ICS) are increasingly widespread thanks to the strategic development of local stove businesses and markets. For example, after capacity-building support enabled the Favour Self-Help Group to evolve from a grassroots initiative into a fifteen-strong professional operation, they proceeded to capture scores of local customers through tireless promotion of their ICS products.

"First time I used the stove to cook, I noticed a huge reduction in smoke – my eyes no longer burned and my children had stopped coughing," recounts customer Esther, a mother of three. "Cooking for my family has since become safer and more convenient." Such testimonials have become powerful drivers for ICS adoption across Kenya's coastal counties—Mombasa, Kwale, Kilifi, and Taita Taveta—where ICS markets are now gaining momentum.

Kenya's leading cookstove manufacturers are largely concentrated in the northern manufacturing hub of Kisumu County. Whilst their distribution networks penetrate the more remote southeastern coastal counties to a certain extent, many customers in this economically disadvantaged region find such brands too expensive, a factor partly explained by the hefty transportation costs borne by these companies. Recognizing this market gap, Energy 4 Impact implemented a three-year project in 2021 to strengthen ICS production capacity in the coastal counties, providing tailored support to local cookstove enterprises, like Favour Self-Help Group, as part of our holistic market development strategy.

For low-income households in the coastal counties, improved access to affordable and well-designed ICS models offers clear advantages: these appliances reduce the health and environmental harm caused by smokier cooking methods, while alleviating poverty through reduced consumption of biomass fuels. More broadly, scaling ICS production also creates ripple effects across the coastal economy, nurturing more profitable and resilient businesses, increasing and diversifying employment opportunities, and cultivating a more skilled and sustainability-driven workforce.

The results of our efforts to strengthen ICS businesses in the coastal counties have been remarkable. Over the course of the project, these appliances became both more affordable and accessible to local consumers, driving a 9% average monthly sales increase for stove producers, many of whom expanded production capacity to meet growing demand.

By the close of our Green Climate Fund-supported "Promotion of Climate-Friendly Cooking in Coastal Kenya" project in December 2024, it had facilitated 129,360 ICS sales—a striking 271% increase over baseline figures—benefiting more than 107,000 households. The initiative also generated 421 full-time equivalent jobs and delivered essential skills training to 321 entrepreneurs.

Such outcomes underscore the effectiveness of market-driven approaches towards accelerating clean cooking adoption. This article delves into our successes, challenges, and lessons learned, offering actionable insights for the benefit of future initiatives seeking to help Kenya achieve universal access to clean cooking.

The role of ICS in Kenya’s clean cooking strategy

Kenya currently faces a formidable cooking sector challenge: nationally, 68% of households —approximately 9.1 million people — still rely on charcoal and firewood for cooking. Every day, families burn these fuels in rudimentary cooking set-ups, such as three-stone fires, metallic charcoal stoves or unvented coal stoves, exposing their families to billowing toxic smoke that causes respiratory diseases and other serious health conditions.

Traditional cooking practices are not just unsafe, they are trapping families in poverty. Each bag of charcoal or bundle of firewood purchased represents income diverted from other important family needs. For women and girls especially, collecting wood consumes valuable hours every week that could otherwise be dedicated to education or income generation. This predicament is especially acute among the nearly four million residents of the coastal counties whose dependence on biomass for cooking exceeds the national average. Meanwhile, the relentless demand for biomass fuel accelerates deforestation, contributing to soil erosion, biodiversity loss, and climate change.

With much higher fuel-efficiency than traditional cooking methods, ICS serve as a crucial transitional solution, particularly for coastal communities with otherwise minimal access to modern cooking appliances. Though not classified as "clean" under WHO guidelines, county governments are pragmatically embracing ICS as a stepping stone towards cleaner fuels. Beyond their immediate benefits, increased ICS production also drives rural economic growth by supporting livelihoods across the entire value chain – from briquette fuel production to cookstove manufacturing.

In 2024, the Kenyan government announced a major plan to promote clean cooking solutions, including measures to overcome adoption barriers such as affordability, weak supply chains, and underdeveloped markets. The Kenya National Clean Cooking Transition Strategy (KNCTS) aims to transform Kenya’s cooking sector into a more sustainable and profitable industry, reducing firewood and charcoal dependence in favor of cleaner alternatives such as LPG and bioethanol. To this end, the government has committed US $455 million over five years and established a dedicated clean cooking fund. If successful, this transition could annually prevent 26,589 deaths caused by air pollution, save 790 hours in firewood collection per household, and reduce carbon emissions by 16 million tonnes.

However, the critical question remains: how rapidly can this transition happen when traditional cooking methods are culturally entrenched and cleaner solutions are still out of reach for many households? As this article will explore, the development of robust ICS markets could represent a significant part of the solution.

Our approach to building a sustainable local ICS market

Kenya's coastal counties have long struggled to develop a robust ICS sector due to limited production centers, weak supply and distribution chains, patchy consumer awareness, and insufficient financing for either producers or customers. Our project tackled these barriers through a holistic approach that enhanced production capacity and improved market access for ICS businesses.

To kickstart a far-reaching transformation of the local ICS sector, Energy 4 Impact trained and  supported 81 producers, 321 distributors and retailers, and 2094 installers. Our ambitions extended beyond a simple increase in stove sales—we focused on cultivating a thriving business ecosystem capable of driving economic growth and job creation. Our approach rested on four strategic pillars:

• Strengthening (or creating new) local production capacity by equipping stove producers with technical and entrepreneurial skills to enhance the quality of locally produced ICS.
• Increasing adoption of fuel-efficient stoves through improved supply and distribution chains, driven by awareness and behavioural change campaigns with a particular focus on overcoming cultural barriers whilst engaging women and youth.
• Improving access to credit for entrepreneurs through informal mechanisms such as Village Savings and Loan Associations (VSLAs) and Savings and Credit Cooperative Organizations (SACCOs).
• Advocating for the greater integration of clean cooking priorities into County Energy Plans (CEPs) as a means of securing long-term support and resource allocation.

The project promoted the Jiko Kisasa stove model, renowned for its high combustion efficiency. By improving thermal transfer to cooking pots and retaining heat more effectively, these stoves achieve 40% to 50% greater fuel efficiency than three-stone firewood stoves and 30% to 40% more efficiency than standard charcoal stoves. This not only conserves fuel but also reduces particulate matter emissions, improving family health and protecting the environment.

From awareness to ownership: How the project tackled sector constraints

Through a range of strategic interventions, outlined below, Energy 4 Impact laid the groundwork for ICS markets to flourish across coastal Kenya.

Building skilled local workforces

Coastal ICS producers and distributors initially lacked the technical proficiency and business know-how needed for long-term commercial viability. To bridge this gap, we delivered comprehensive training that covered everything from stove production and quality control to business management and marketing.

We deliberately sought to recruit marginalized groups, with women comprising 64% of mentees and 73% of marketing participants. Customized training fostered success stories like that of the Mtsongo Widows, a social and professional support group for 15 widows in Kwale County. "Before this training, I struggled to support my family," recalled one Mtsongo member. "Now I lead our production team and earn enough to send my children to school."

Youth engagement also played a pivotal role, helping to bring dynamism and fresh perspectives into the sector. The Favour Self-Help Group established a VSLA that doubled as a youth training center, for example, equipping the next generation with the skills needed to meet rising demand.

Overall, our project created 421 full-time equivalent jobs and trained 321 entrepreneurs (207 women, 114 men). Recognizing the importance of correct installation, we also trained 2,094 specialized installers to ensure optimal stove performance. Through apprenticeship programs, 162 employees gained on-the-job technical and business skills, enhancing both product quality and business sustainability.

Skills development also led to more competitive pricing. "A comprehensive analysis of our costs proved a revelation,” explained Samuel Tangai, co-founder of the Upendo Mdzambere Group, a 20-strong group of widows and widowers from Kilifi County that diversified from poultry farming into ICS production. “We realized we could afford to reduce our installation fees, and after lowering prices from $46 to $19, we tripled our monthly sales volumes."

Engaging the community

Changing long-held cooking habits requires more than just a better product, it’s about shifting mindsets. In many households, traditional cooking practices are culturally ingrained and misconceptions about ICS can impede adoption.

To tackle this resistance, we took ICS directly to communities. By showcasing their benefits at high-visibility events such as Agricultural Society of Kenya (ASK) shows and county exhibitions, we spurred the sale of 66,500 cookstoves in 2023 alone. At the same time, roadshows, community dialogues and street theater helped us reach over half a million people, sparking conversations and curiosity.

Women, as both entrepreneurs and consumers, became crucial change agents. Typically the primary cook in most households, they intimately understood the limitations of traditional methods. Which is why the predominantly female Favour Self-Help Group went into the schools, markets, and churches of Mombasa County to spread their message. “When mothers get excited about how much time and money they can save while protecting their kids’ health, they tend to talk about our stoves with their friends and neighbors”, explained Mary Otieno, a lead producer within the group.

Persuading policymakers and stakeholders

Kenya’s devolved political system means that clean cooking often receives less attention at the county level, overshadowed by more urgent political or administrative priorities. This apparent lack of firm commitment can deter the private sector by creating uncertainty around resource allocation.

To counter this, we encouraged county governments to integrate ICS targets within County Energy Plans (CEPs). Several counties have since expressed intent to set annual adoption targets, allocate dedicated budgets, establish clean cooking teams, and develop strategies for attracting outside investment.

Our involvement in county-level Clean Cooking Technical Committees also helped us strengthen ties with government agencies, NGOs, and community organizations. These committees serve as platforms for coordinating activities, sharing knowledge, and building consensus around overcoming challenges. Moreover, by aligning ICS adoption with environmental conservation, the project gained broader support from community groups and government agencies like the Kenya Forest Service.

Strengthening local supply and delivery chains

Fragmented supply chains have historically hindered ICS growth in the coastal counties, increasing costs and limiting market reach. We introduced practical solutions to improve material sourcing, manufacturing efficiency, and distribution.

For manufacturers, we tackled the unreliable and costly sourcing of raw materials by forging direct supplier partnerships and encouraging bulk purchasing, thus eliminating intermediaries and stabilizing prices. Training in ethical sourcing and efficient storage also helped producers maintain quality and minimize waste.

To address distribution challenges, we enhanced inventory management and last-mile delivery by providing high-performing local businesses with tuk-tuks and mobile pavilions, enabling them to reach the most remote communities. "The mobile pavilion transformed our business," noted one distributor. "We were able to visit villages that had never seen ICS before."

We also strengthened linkages between producers, distributors, and retailers, while encouraging some producers to vertically integrate distribution for greater efficiency. The Favour Self-Help Group adopted bulk procurement and partnering with local retailers, which allowed them to "expand our customer base while maintaining affordable pricing."

Improving access to finance for entrepreneurs

Access to finance has long been a major obstacle for small ICS businesses. So we facilitated the creation of 15 VSLAs and three SACCOs, which provided entrepreneurs with flexible, low-interest informal loans. Nearly $4,500 was disbursed during the project to enable business expansion.

Financial literacy training complemented these efforts, covering key competencies such as loan management, business planning, and financial record-keeping. This approach reduced default rates and boosted confidence amongst lenders to extend credit to more ICS businesses.

To establish pathways to formal financing, we also educated 15 financial institutions about the promise of the ICS market, resulting in Equity Bank issuing four formal loans to entrepreneurs. Eltruder Mbele, a stove installer from Taita Taveta, also secured a $1,160 loan from SMEP Microfinance Bank to buy stove liners in bulk and expand operations.

"That loan changed everything," Eltruder recalled. "After training 30 women's groups in stove installation, demand surged. I had to hire and train several more women to my team. What started as a small operation has grown into a thriving enterprise."

Improving technical specifications and introducing alternative fuels

ICS producers received rigorous training in fabrication, cladding, and assembly techniques for the Jiko Kisasa model, complemented by peer learning sessions to entrench best practices. This resulted in more efficient, durable, and affordable stoves, boosting consumer confidence. "The quality improvements made all the difference," explained one producer. "Customers now recognize our stoves as superior products worth investing in."

A pivotal milestone was the establishment of 10 local production centers for high-quality stove liners, previously sourced mainly from the Central and Nyanza regions. These centers either supply liners to other local ICS producers, improving regional material access, or assemble the complete stoves themselves, thus challenging outside perceptions about production capabilities in the coastal counties.

Though the project did not formally promote alternative fuels, some ICS producers decided to sell briquettes and pellets alongside their stoves. Typically made from agricultural waste, these fuels have a high surface area-to-volume ratio which enables better air mixing and more efficient combustion. A more sustainable alternative to regular biomass, briquettes and pellets also boost customer resilience against firewood shortages and charcoal price fluctuations.

"Offering briquettes gives our customers a more complete solution," noted one entrepreneur, “which helps them save even more money while protecting local forests."

What now? Trends and opportunities in the ICS sector

The ICS sector in the coastal counties shows robust growth potential, driven by growing consumer awareness and improved local manufacturing standards. Market expansion is accelerating as cookstove businesses diversify their products to address a wider range of household needs, while also exploring financing mechanisms to improve affordability. These enterprises also benefit from a pronounced consumer preference for locally-produced cookstoves over imported models.

To capitalize on burgeoning demand, the sector must extend access into the most remote areas where ICS adoption remains low — representing both a social imperative and business opportunity. Substantial investment potential exists in strengthening cookstove businesses by developing holistic value chains, addressing manufacturing gaps, and enhancing the enabling environment for market growth. With the right combination of private sector innovation, public policy support, and targeted development assistance, a thriving ICS sector in coastal Kenya could become a blueprint for other African nations. Below, we outline the key steps that stakeholders should consider.

Access to finance for entrepreneurs

For many ICS entrepreneurs, access to finance remains a major challenge, particularly in remote areas. While SACCOs and VSLAs have supported many businesses with small informal loans, formal loans are often inaccessible due to high interest rates and stringent qualification criteria. As the growth potential of the sector becomes increasingly evident, future projects should engage banks and microfinance providers early on during implementation to develop tailored loan products. Strategic partnerships between development agencies, financial institutions and the private sector could also introduce blended finance models to reduce lending risk.

Consumer affordability

High transportation costs, fragmented distribution networks, and expensive production processes push cookstove prices beyond the reach of many low-income households. Pay-as-you-go options using mobile money platforms offer a promising solution by allowing payments in small installments, similar to Kenya's thriving solar home system sector. Partnerships with retail outlets could further expand access by simplifying consumer financing options whilst improving product visibility, and carbon financing mechanisms could enable producers to drive sales by passing cost savings onto consumers.

Market evolution and technology integration

Targeted investment in skills development and technology integration is vital for the sector to reach its potential. Local manufacturers require training to produce advanced stove models, particularly those that can work efficiently with alternative fuels. Developing higher-capacity cookstoves for restaurants and institutions presents another growth opportunity, though awareness campaigns around their benefits and usage will be necessary. Integrating digital solutions has the potential to improve supply chain management, sales tracking and operational efficiency, while smart sensor technology could drive product innovation informed by precise usage data.

Government engagement

County governments' inconsistent prioritization of ICS targets challenges sector growth. Further advocacy is needed to integrate ICS promotion more fully into CEPs and harmonize regulations with the KNCTS framework. Pushing the national government for fiscal incentives could stimulate sector growth, while climate financing mechanisms tied to international agreements could fund large-scale adoption.

Value chain integration

Strengthening collaborative networks between entrepreneurs is important as they provide valuable platforms for sharing technical expertise, improving material access, and enhancing profitability through pooled market insights. Establishing integrated supply chains will improve product flow and maintain consistent stock levels, while knowledge hubs could deliver training to address skill gaps and help entrepreneurs maintain competitive advantage in a rapidly evolving market.

Supply and delivery chains

Fostering more partnerships between producers and raw material suppliers could eliminate intermediaries, drive down costs and ensure more reliable material flow. Investing in transportation solutions can also improve supply chain resilience, while encouraging producers to adopt dual roles as manufacturers and distributors could streamline their operations and expand market reach.

Conclusion

The completion of the project in December 2024 marked a major advance in transforming cooking practices in coastal Kenya. By promoting well-designed and affordable ICS models, fostering local entrepreneurship, and strengthening stakeholder collaboration, we've established a solid foundation for continued progress.

The ICS sector must now pursue innovation and investment to further scale production and contribute to Kenya's 2028 clean cooking targets. This requires firm commitment from financiers, policymakers, and development partners to devise financing solutions and expand market reach. Critically, ICS producers need more support to develop advanced models that meet higher performance standards, while using sustainable fuels and stringently reducing emissions.

The KNCTS framework will accelerate the adoption of clean cooking solutions nationwide, but expanding access to ICS in underserved low-income regions like the coastal counties must remain a significant part of this strategy. A multifaceted approach, incorporating diverse cooking technologies and business models, will be needed to ensure no community is left behind during this vital transformation of Kenya's cooking landscape.