Energy efficient stoves in East Africa : an assessment of the Kenya Ceramic Jiko (stove) program

This report reviews the background, development, and results of the Kenya Ceramic Jiko (stove) or KCJ Program, which was initiated jointly by A.I.D. and the Government of Kenya (GOK) in the early 1980"s to encourage charcoal fuel conservation in urban households. According to the report, the KCJ program can be considered a success for several reasons. The stove yields a 14-40% savings in charcoal expenditure vis-a-vis traditional charcoal, electric, and liquified petroleum gas (LPG) cookers; it is also profitable to manufacture, with commercial sales currently estimated at 125,000-140,000 units per year. In addition, competition has significantly lowered the high initial prices in Nairobi, the major market. The GOK seems satisfied with the program"s employment and income-generating benefits, while A.I.D. has met its objectives to help Kenya conserve energy and create a self-sustaining production capability. The use of existing and proven commercial manufacturing and marketing systems was the key to this success. Several problem areas are noted, however, including a substantial decrease in GOK support in recent years, inadequate availability of the stove, its prohibitive price outside Nairobi, and the lack of generally available information for replicating the technology. Besides recommendations for enhancing the effectiveness of the KCJ program, the report includes general guidelines for comprehensive stove programs and recommendations for applying lessons learned in the Kenya project to the Sudan Renewable Energy II Project.