Kenya Popularising Solar Powered Stoves

(3 Minutes Read)

 In Kenya around 12 million households – or around 67% of the population – cook using firewood and charcoal. According to the World Health Organization, the method has been associated with health problems and climate change.

 Kenyan entrepreneur Carolyn Olanghas developed solar-powered stoves, which help local people save money and at the same time help reduce the impact of climate change.  In sub-Saharan Africa, around 90% of the population uses firewood and charcoal.

 In Kenya around 12 million households – or around 67% of the population – cook using firewood and charcoal. According to the World Health Organization, the method has been associated with health problems and climate change.

The smoke that emanates from charcoal and firewood can cause health problems and cutting down trees for firewood and charcoal contributes to deforestation.

The solar oven is relatively easy to make. It is basically two wooden boxes, one smaller than the other. In between them is a thick layer of a heat absorber, like chicken corn husks. Then on top is a glass sheet with an aluminium-covered panel to reflect the light into the box where the cooking happens.

Olang estimates the cost to produce one is around Ksh, 3,500 (USD 35) and she’s selling them for Ksh,5,000 (USD 50) to break into the market. She says the benefits are that solar power is free, the oven doesn’t produce smoke, and it helps combat climate change.

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Globally, there are around 2.5 billion people who cook using firewood and charcoal as their main source of energy which is a major cause of climate change and pollution.