Efficient and Clean Cooking Stoves For Households in Kenya

BURN Manufacturing`s project in Kenya is making a significant impact on the lives of some of the world`s most vulnerable individuals. In a country where more than 90% of the population still relies on biomass fuels for cooking, deforestation rates are alarmingly high, especially in regions already facing arid conditions. Moreover, nearly three-quarters of the population live below the poverty line, exacerbating their challenges.

The local production of charcoal, a common cooking fuel, is both unsustainable and costly. Additionally, using traditional and inefficient stoves leads to significant expenses for Kenyan families, with some spending up to $50 per month on fuel. Furthermore, the excessive smoke from these stoves poses serious health risks, contributing to over 3 million premature deaths annually, according to a study conducted by the Clean Cooking Alliance.

In this context, BURN Manufacturing`s project provides a solution by introducing the JIKOKOA, the world`s most fuel-efficient biomass stove. By adopting the JIKOKOA, families can reduce their charcoal consumption by an impressive 52%, effectively slowing down deforestation and saving Kenyan households a total of $130 million to date. Additionally, this innovative stove reduces indoor air pollution by 65%, leading to reports of fewer illnesses among families who use it. The health benefits, combined with the savings in fuel expenses and time, contribute to a reduction in gender inequities and an overall improvement in the quality of life while also helping to preserve the country`s forests.

Through this project, BURN Manufacturing is providing a sustainable and life-changing solution to the pressing challenges faced by Kenyan families, offering them an opportunity for a better and healthier future.

Project impacts and benefits:
Since 2016, BURN manufacturing`s work in Kenya has had the following impacts:

Over 3.6m stoves distributed
Over 600,000 lives impacted
Over 400,000 tons of wood saved
80% of CO2 emissions reduced

This project aligns with the following Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs):

Climate action - The Jikokoa stove reduces fuel consumption by 64%, resulting in a decrease in both CO2 and non-CO2 emissions from cooking. Since 2016, this initiative has prevented the emission of 3 million tons of CO2. Furthermore, by reducing the demand for biomass, the project contributes to slowing down deforestation.

No Poverty - In Kenya, independent verification through a joint Random Control Trial (RCT) study by the University of Chicago and UC Berkeley confirms that BURN`s Jikokoa cookstove is the most beneficial investment a family can make. Its remarkable efficiency enables Kenyan families to save $120 adopting the Jikokoa providing substantial cost savings.

Ensure healthy lives - Cooking-related smoke inhalation is responsible for approximately 3 million premature deaths each year, according to estimates by the Clean Cooking Alliance. By using BURN`s Jikokoa stove, indoor air pollution is reduced by 65%.

Affordable and clean energy - The Jikokoa stove`s efficiency in cooking leads to weekly savings for its users, which are often reinvested in education. This initiative in Kenya has collectively saved families $120 million up to the present date.

Decent work and economic growth - BURN Manufacturing distinguishes itself as the world`s only vertically integrated improved cookstove company. All aspects, including design, engineering, and manufacturing, take place in their solar-powered facilities in Kenya. Since its inception, the project has generated over 1,500 local jobs and continues to build distribution teams across Africa.

Gender equality - A significant 98% of project households reported saving time after adopting the Jikokoa stoves. This time-saving benefit is particularly advantageous for female beneficiaries as they can now utilise the extra time to pursue other activities, such as education or engaging in economic endeavours. By reducing the burden of fuel collection and cooking, the project contributes to empowering women and providing them with opportunities to participate in educational and economic activities, thereby promoting gender equality and women`s empowerment in the communities it serves.

Life on Land - Reduced demand for charcoal helps protect forests from overexploitation and deforestation, lessens the pressure on land resources, reducing the need for clearing and degradation of natural habitats. In addition, overharvesting of wood for charcoal can lead to soil erosion and desertification, especially in arid regions. A shift away from wood and use encourages the adoption of sustainable agroforestry practices and reforestation efforts as well as safeguarding critical habitat.

Quality Education - Ensures inclusive and equitable quality education and promote lifelong learning opportunities for all. Our operational structure is built around a commitment to provide inclusive training opportunities for youth, women and men.