Mombasa County is currently at the forefront of developing crucial policies to bolster the implementation of clean energy adoption strategies, thereby aligning with Kenya’s ambitious climate plans.
Mombasa County Transport and Infrastructure County Executive Committee Member Daniel Manyala said Mombasa is committed to enhancing Kenya’s climate action by adopting low-carbon and efficient transportation systems.
The county has already adopted innovative, clean, and sustainable energy technologies by embracing electric Tuk-tuks and electric motorcycles, as well as the introduction of cycling lanes as a move to encourage the use of environmentally friendly motorists.
“We are making strides towards making Mombasa an environmentally friendly county by embracing clean energy use, we have key interventions, especially in the transport sector that will ensure the use of clean energy,” said Manyala.
Purity Gakuo Kuza Freezer co-founder and one of the pioneers of sausage trawler innovations says youths have taken the forefront in adopting the technology systems that will foster development and empower their livelihoods.
Speaking in Mombasa during the commemorations of International Clean Energy Day, Gakuo said that, focusing on solar-powered innovations, Kuza Freezer offers two key solutions: cold storage and clean cooking storage, utilizing a pay-as-you-go model. These solar-powered freezers, lasting up to 24 hours, provide an eco-friendly alternative for businesses and individuals.
“We have seen a lot of youth taking up innovations, and we encourage them to embrace technologies to earn their livelihoods,” said Gakuo.
Taking a significant step towards environmental conservation, Kuza Freezer recently launched Eco Heat Solutions. This clean cooking alternative aims to eliminate the need for charcoal, addressing deforestation and health concerns associated with its usage.
Affordability is a cornerstone of Kuza Freezer’s mission, with collaboration with microfinance enabling the youth to access their products through asset financing.
Gakuu emphasized, “We are embracing clean energy, making lives easier for the youth.” Already making an impact, they’ve reached 200 youths across four coastal counties, Turkana Siaya, and planned to expand to Mombasa and Nairobi through partnerships with microfinance.
The clean cooking project, initiated on January 20, 2024, seeks to target vendors currently using charcoal for their businesses, providing them with a sustainable alternative.
Eco Heat Solutions, priced at Sh25, 000, becomes accessible through microfinance partnerships, allowing buyers to pay in installments.
To ensure cost-effectiveness, Kuza Freezer has adopted a unique approach. While not selling the entire solar package (solar panel and battery), they’ve set up stations for vendors to pick up charged batteries and return empty ones.
In a parallel effort, the Mombasa County government, represented by Chief Officer of the Department of Water, Natural Resources, Public Works, and Climate Change Resilience Mariam Mapenzi, also marked the International Day of Clean Energy.
“Today we are celebrating the International Day of Clean Energy and we are looking at milestones that we’ve achieved as a county,” Mariam Mapenzi said that included a memorandum of understanding with partners from Motor Track as their consortium where they were looking at how to use electric Tuk-tuks and motorbikes, establishing e-mobility stations for efficient battery changes.
While encouraging residents to embrace clean energy for cooking, Mapenzi emphasized the county’s commitment to reducing pollution and fostering a healthier environment.
“We are trying to move away from charcoal and use clean energy for cooking. These will reduce pollution in our county and country in general,” Mariam emphasized.
By Mauta Jackie and Munga Victoria
