Review of Household Clean Energy Technology for Lighting, Charging and Cooking in East Africa – Kenya and Tanzania

The region relies heavily on traditional energy sources such as charcoal and firewood, which contribute to deforestation and air pollution. The use of improved cookstoves, solar, briquettes, wind, and biogas technologies has been identified as a potential solution to address these challenges. Improved cookstoves are a popular option in Kenya and Tanzania, with various designs and materials available in the market. Traditional metal charcoal stoves are commonly used, but they have limitations in terms of efficiency and safety. Improved cookstoves, on the other hand, can reduce fuel consumption by up to 50% and decrease indoor air pollution. However, their adoption is hindered by high costs and limited access to markets. Solar energy is another promising option in the region, with various products available, including solar lanterns, chargers, and cookers. Solar lanterns are particularly popular, as they provide a reliable and sustainable source of light for households. However, their adoption is limited by high upfront costs and limited access to financing options. Briquettes made from charcoal waste and agricultural residues are also being promoted as a clean cooking fuel option. They have several advantages, including reduced greenhouse gas emissions and improved energy efficiency. However, their production and distribution are often hindered by high costs and limited access to markets. Wind energy is another option being explored in the region, with various designs and technologies available, including horizontal axis and vertical axis wind turbines. However, their adoption is limited by high upfront costs and limited access to financing options. Biogas technology is also being promoted in the region, particularly for cooking and lighting purposes. It involves the anaerobic digestion of organic matter to produce a combustible gas. Biogas plants are often used in combination with improved cookstoves to provide a reliable and sustainable source of energy. Stakeholder activities in the clean energy sector are being promoted through various initiatives, including training programs, infrastructure development, and market linkage facilitation. Conservation partners are also playing a crucial role in promoting clean energy technologies, particularly in rural areas. However, challenges and lessons learned from stakeholder interviews highlight the need for improved financing options, market access, and policy support to promote the adoption of clean energy technologies. Results from site surveys conducted in Kenya and Tanzania highlight the potential of clean energy technologies to improve energy access and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. The surveys revealed that households in the region rely heavily on traditional energy sources, but there is a growing interest in clean energy technologies, particularly solar and improved cookstoves. However, the adoption of these technologies is hindered by high costs, limited access to markets, and lack of policy support. Overall, the review of household clean energy technology for lighting, charging, and cooking in East Africa highlights the need for improved financing options, market access, and policy support to promote the adoption of clean energy technologies. It also emphasizes the importance of stakeholder activities, including training programs, infrastructure development, and market linkage facilitation, to promote the adoption of clean energy technologies in the region.