Kakuzi PLC, a leading agricultural company in Kenya, has invested over Ksh. 15 million in a clean cooking project benefiting households in Makuyu, Murang’a County. This investment marks the fourth phase of an ongoing initiative that has so far provided over 500 households with energy-efficient cooking stoves, known as Jiko Kisasa. Since its inception in 2021, the project has reached 1,500 households, signaling Kakuzi’s commitment to promoting sustainable living and economic empowerment through environmentally friendly solutions.
A Collaborative Effort to Address Local Needs
Kakuzi’s clean cooking project is more than just a corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiative. It embodies a holistic approach to community development, incorporating both environmental sustainability and economic empowerment. By addressing the immediate need for safer, more efficient cooking methods, Kakuzi has also woven opportunities for local entrepreneurship and technical training into the fabric of the initiative.
According to Kakuzi’s Managing Director, Christopher Flowers, the project is deeply rooted in local engagement, aiming to empower community members and ensure the sustainability of the initiative. “We are collaborating with all local community members, including youth, women, and elders, to enhance the sustainability of the project while providing an income-generating opportunity for the participants. This goes a long way in making them custodians of their environment,” Flowers remarked during the handover of the stoves.
This collaborative approach has been integral to the project’s success. In partnership with the German Agency for International Cooperation (GIZ), Kakuzi facilitated the training of 101 local youths in the installation and maintenance of the Jiko Kisasa stoves. This technical training has not only equipped the youth with valuable construction skills but also opened doors to potential income-generating activities. By involving local residents in both the installation process and the sourcing of materials, the project strengthens ties between environmental preservation and economic development, creating a sustainable model that can continue to thrive long after the initial phases of the initiative are complete.
The Impact of Jiko Kisasa: A Cost-Effective and Environmentally Sustainable Solution
At the heart of Kakuzi’s clean cooking initiative is the Jiko Kisasa, an energy-efficient stove designed to reduce fuel consumption and minimize harmful emissions. Traditional cooking methods, such as the three-stone fire, are not only inefficient but also hazardous to health, producing large amounts of smoke and consuming excessive firewood. The Jiko Kisasa, with its insulated fire chamber, retains heat more efficiently, allowing households to cook with less firewood. This reduced reliance on firewood translates into fewer trees being cut down, contributing to the fight against deforestation.
The environmental benefits of the Jiko Kisasa stove are clear. A 2019 study by GIZ found that these stoves have a thermal efficiency of 20 to 25%, significantly higher than traditional stoves, which hover between 5 to 10%. More impressively, they save 35 to 55% of firewood compared to the baseline stoves they replace. By using less firewood, households are not only able to conserve local forests but also cut down on the time and effort spent gathering fuel. For many women and children, who are typically responsible for collecting firewood, this means more time for other productive activities, such as education or small-scale income-generating work.
In addition to its environmental advantages, the Jiko Kisasa has been widely accepted by the community due to its adaptability to local cooking practices. The stoves are produced both artisanally and semi-industrially, ensuring that they meet the specific needs of users. This local production has also contributed to the project’s economic benefits, as the raw materials for the stoves are sourced from women-led micro-enterprises within the community. This not only supports local businesses but also empowers women entrepreneurs by providing them with a steady stream of income.
Economic Empowerment Through Local Entrepreneurship
One of the standout features of Kakuzi’s clean cooking initiative is its dual focus on environmental sustainability and economic empowerment. By training local youth in stove installation and sourcing materials from female entrepreneurs, the project creates multiple income-generating opportunities within the community. This approach aligns with Kakuzi’s broader goal of fostering self-sufficiency and economic independence among its local stakeholders.
The involvement of local women in the supply chain is particularly noteworthy. As the primary beneficiaries of improved cooking technologies, women are also central to the project’s implementation. By purchasing the raw materials needed for the Jiko Kisasa stoves from women-led businesses, Kakuzi ensures that the project has a direct economic impact on these entrepreneurs. This approach not only boosts their incomes but also reinforces the role of women in driving community development.
Furthermore, the training provided to 101 youths on stove installation and maintenance equips them with valuable skills that can be used beyond the scope of this project. As demand for clean cooking solutions grows, these trained youths will be able to offer their services to other households and organizations, creating a ripple effect of economic empowerment. The skills they have acquired are not only practical but also marketable, positioning them as key players in the local economy.
A Path Toward Sustainable Development
Kakuzi’s clean cooking initiative is a model of how private-sector investments can contribute to sustainable development in rural communities. By addressing the pressing need for cleaner cooking methods while simultaneously creating economic opportunities, Kakuzi has demonstrated that environmental and social goals are not mutually exclusive. In fact, they are deeply intertwined, with each supporting the other in meaningful ways.
The project’s focus on sustainability is further underscored by its emphasis on training and local involvement. By equipping local youths with technical skills and involving women entrepreneurs in the supply chain, Kakuzi has ensured that the benefits of the initiative will extend far beyond the immediate distribution of stoves. This long-term approach is key to the project’s success, as it builds local capacity and fosters a sense of ownership among community members.
Future Prospects: Scaling the Clean Cooking Initiative
As Kakuzi continues to roll out the clean cooking project, there is significant potential for scaling up the initiative. With 1,500 households already benefiting from the Jiko Kisasa stoves, the next phase of the project could focus on expanding its reach to even more communities in Murang’a and beyond. The success of the project thus far suggests that there is both a demand for clean cooking solutions and a willingness among local residents to adopt these new technologies.
The partnership with GIZ also offers opportunities for further collaboration. By leveraging GIZ’s expertise in energy efficiency and environmental conservation, Kakuzi can continue to refine and improve the project, ensuring that it remains responsive to the needs of the community. Future phases could also explore additional clean energy technologies, such as solar-powered cookstoves or biogas systems, further enhancing the project’s impact on both the environment and the local economy.
Conclusion
Kakuzi’s investment in clean cooking technologies for households in Murang’a County is a powerful example of how businesses can contribute to sustainable development. By providing energy-efficient stoves, training local youth, and supporting women entrepreneurs, Kakuzi has created a multi-faceted initiative that addresses both environmental and economic challenges. As the project continues to grow, it offers a promising model for other communities and companies looking to invest in sustainable, community-driven solutions. Through this initiative, Kakuzi has shown that clean cooking is not just about improving household health; it is about empowering communities and preserving the environment for future generations.
