Wandayi flags off Pick-ups and Tuk-tuks to boost Kenya’s clean cooking drive
Energy and Petroleum Cabinet Secretary Opiyo Wandayi presents a key to a beneficiary during the handover of tuk-tuks to improved cookstove distributors at the Kawi Complex, Nairobi. Photo/Sande Onyango
Energy and Petroleum Cabinet Secretary Opiyo Wandayi has hailed the clean cooking initiative as a life-changing project that is cutting emissions and empowering communities.
“This initiative has transformed lives, protected our environment, and contributed directly to our Sustainable Development Goals,” Mr Wandayi said on Monday at the Kawi Complex in Nairobi.
He was speaking during the handover of Pick-ups and Tuk-tuks to improved cookstove producers and distributors to boost last-mile delivery and accelerate clean cooking access.
The €25.9 million Climate-Friendly Cooking Project (Sh3.89 billion) has already cut 2.2 million tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent emissions towards a target of 5.39 million tonnes by 2030.
The five-year programme has expanded from 12 to 40 counties and increased annual stove sales from 250,000 in 2019 to more than 850,000 in 2024.
“The pick-ups and tuk-tuks handed over today are tools of transformation. They symbolise trust, empowerment, and our shared commitment to ensuring no one is left behind,” Mr Wandayi said.
A representative from the German Cooperation said the project proves environmental protection can go hand in hand with economic growth.
Beneficiaries were selected based on verified production and sales data, stove quality standards, non-affiliation with other donor programmes, and VAT contribution.
Seven(7) of 22 business-class producers, each averaging 2,128 stoves a month, received Pick-ups.
In the distribution chain, 35 wholesalers selling about 2,000 stoves monthly received Tuk-tuks.
One of the recipients, Ms Lydia Gichere, said the training and resources provided will help her expand her business and improve market access.
“We are very grateful. We have been trained on how to handle our market, and the government has given us an insight. With GIZ, it’s a good journey. We are going to do a good distribution now,” Ms Gichere said.
Mr Wandayi urged partners to scale up distribution and invest in multi-fuel technologies to ensure every household can cook cleanly and affordably.
