Assessment of existing improved cook stoves in Kenya

Abstract

This study made to explore the use of ICS in different parts of Kenya- to identify the types of ICS used; determine cooking practices of the people; ascertain the impact of the ICS on the peoples socio-economic wellbeing; determine the general population’s awareness of the ICS; select some ICS and recommend further laboratory experiments on their energy efficiency and emission controls. Total Project Area (TPA) included three regions in Kenya namely Western Province (Kakamega area), Central Province (Nyeri area) and Nyanza Province (Maseno area). Simple random sampling was used for the households in the TPA. Basically 36A of the total households sampled were found to be using ICS with 2A in central province, 31A in Nyanza and 60A in western Kenya and the ICS mainly being locally manufactured. Beside use of improved cooking stove, residents of the three regions rely on the following stoves; ceramic jiko, charcoal stove, traditional three stone fires and others Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) stoves. Those who knew about ICS basically got the information through friends with only 7.14A learning about them through promotions by Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs). Majority of the ICS users were however satisfied with its performance. Individualsusing ICS realized reduction in smoke emitted hence less respiratory problems. Economically, it has seen reduction in cooking time, fuel used and convenience when in use due to its portability. Majority of the interviewees had medium family size ranging from 3-6 members who could be described as living below the poverty level basing on their living conditions.90A of the interviewed households in western had mud and pole walls with thatched roof 56A in Central and 54A in Nyanza. It was also noted during the study that majority of the households collect fuel wood for cooking with the number of collections reducing by half through the use of ICS. Laboratory tests on emissions and efficiency is however necessary for these widely used stoves to determine their performance and identify best performing models for distribution and promotion countrywide.