Kenya warms up to new charcoal stoves

The Green Africa Group has launched a vibrant campaign to promote the use of environmentally friendly charcoal burners.

The organisation primarily focuses on conserving the environment and reducing the severity of climate change.

The proposed stoves will reduce hazardous gases like carbon monoxide. Fuelwood burns completely to reduce the emission of dangerous fumes and smoke.

GAG displayed their new burners at the just concluded Kitui Agricultural Show and Trade Fair 2024 and asked showgoers to buy them for an improved experience.

Group chairman, Isaac Kalua Green — a renowned environmentalist — said the stoves ensure clean cooking and protect users from ill-health.

“We are showcasing clean cooking. Many people have lost their lives and their health has been adversely affected making them suffer ill health due to the use of other fuel wood stoves.

“We have a technology that mitigates all that,” Kalua said.

He said his organisation will connect producers of various climate change-mitigating products with local and international markets.

Health experts say ordinary charcoal stoves expose users to harmful gases that compete with oxygen in the respiratory system, resulting in health complications.

GAG salesperson Benjamin Muthenya said the stoves keep the air safe from pollutants. They limit the amount of smoke that finds its way into the environment by 75 per cent.

“These stoves could be very helpful to users. They have special features like an in-built cast iron box for energy efficiency. It saves time and is economical because a person uses very little charcoal,” he said.

The stove also speeds up cooking and has ventilators that allow oxygen to circulate freely.

“It does not allow energy to leak out leading to the use of less charcoal and thus ultimately contributing to the reduction in the frequency of cutting down of trees for charcoal burning that helping in conservation,” he said.

“It does not destroy the environment. The energy produced by the burning wood is insulated within the confines of the stove and does not leak out to cause unnecessary warmth to the surroundings,” he added.

Environmental activist Vivian Kanini vouched for the stoves and asked those who care about the environment to buy them if they want to live a healthy life.

“And for any Kenyan keen to cook food fast and efficiently, I recommend they take up the innovation. I have used it for six months and I don't regret it,” said Kanini.

She said besides the stoves limiting the amount of charcoal used, it reduces ailments associated with smoke such as breathing difficulties, unexplained headaches and vomiting.