600 Energy-Efficient Cooking Stoves Distributed to Women and Vulnerable Households In South East Nyakach

Matilda Atieno/kisumu.go.ke

The county government today distributed 600 energy saving cooking stoves under the Financial locally Led climate Action ( FLLOCA) program as part of the Kisumu climate change resilience projects. The energy-efficient cooking-stoves commonly known as Kuni mbili, complement the ongoing FLLOCA resilient projects in Kisumu. South East Nyakach is among the most densely populated areas in Kisumu, with the majority of households heavily dependent on wood for cooking fuel.

These improved cooking stoves (ICSs) are set to boost the wellbeing of the community and support the County’s efforts to mitigate the impact of climate change. They directly empower households, at the same time helping to reduce disputes over strained firewood resources. The cooking stoves were distributed by the Chief officer for Water Environment, Climate Change and Natural resources Mr. Erick Ogalo flunked by the Area Member of the Assembly Hon. Owade Patrick Lumumba.

The Chief officer stated that the family -sized energy efficient cooking stoves will support vulnerable households especially those headed by women by providing a more efficient cooking method thus restoring nature and reducing pressure on local forests as well as reducing indoor air pollution. The locally procured stoves consume less wood as well as charcoal fuel and are more energy efficient compared to traditional stoves. Besides reducing the strain on local forests, the project will also reduce the risk from smoke and help in climate adaptation actions.

The targeted community members were identified by the Ward climate change planning committee (WCCPC),following the Baseline emission inventory assessment that highlighted gas emission as needing urgent intervention,WCCPC proposed energy saving stoves as an initiative towards climate adaptation in the Ward.