Over 2,000 households in Laikipia have benefitted from energy saving jikos from the government.
The donations are part of the Ministry of Energy and Petroleum, Accelerating Clean Cooking Access (ACCA) project, which is advocating for a reduction of harmful gas emissions, by embracing clean cooking fuels.
Speaking at the Nanyuki when he distributed the stoves, Energy Principal Secretary (PS), Alex Wachira, said the government was planning to distribute a total of 4.5 million stoves, to vulnerable communities throughout the country.
According to Wachira, clean cooking has attracted attention globally and nationally, because of its implications to health and the environment.
He said the traditional method of cooking that involves firewood and charcoal in poorly ventilated environments, has led to high cases of respiratory diseases, heart problems and deaths, as well as adverse effects on climate change, through the emission of greenhouse gases.
“We lose 23,000 lives annually in Kenya, as a result of exposure to emissions from cooking with firewood and charcoal. These jikos will reduce exposure to smoke, which will prolong your life and reduce your chances of contracting respiratory diseases brought about by wood fuel,” noted Wachira.
Additionally, the PS noted that the programme would facilitate faster realization of the presidential directive of planting 10 billion trees by 2032.
“It will be impossible for us to realize the dream, if what we do is plant trees and later cut them down for firewood,” he stated.
During the function, the Japanese government, reaffirmed its commitment to boosting Kenya in its battle against climate change.
Addressing the beneficiaries of the stoves, Second Secretary at the Japanese Embassy, Nishimura Masaya, said that his government had set aside Sh208.6 million to fund the clean cooking action in Kenya.
Masaya said that the primary objective of the project, is to improve living conditions and enhance overall health outcomes, by distributing clean cooking stoves to households across the country.
“Climate change is a common issue that international community must work together to tackle,” he said.
“This initiative is closely aligned with Kenya’s ambitious goal of promoting environmental sustainability, the country aims to plant a staggering 15 billion trees by the year 2032, further showcasing its dedication to combating climate change and securing a greener future for its citizens,” he added.
The Second Secretary added that the project aims to distribute clean cooking stoves to 10,000 households and provide livelihoods, as well as create employment through training of women and youth on how to make briquettes.
“The Kenyan government has submitted its Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC), which sets a target of reducing Greenhouse Gas (GHG) emissions by 32 per cent, compared to Business As Usual levels. In support of Kenya’s climate change countermeasures, Japan is actively contributing, through a JICA Technical Cooperation project, focusing on reducing emissions,” said Masaya.
By Muturi Mwangi
