Prepared from the Kenya Energy Crops Policy Review Report for stakeholder engagement, policy dialogue and online publication.
Prepared for Practical Action Eastern Africa under the ELMECC Project.
May 2026.

Executive Summary

Kilifi County is emerging as one of Kenya’s most promising regions for energy crop development and bioethanol production. With favorable climatic conditions for cassava cultivation, increasing private sector interest and growing demand for clean cooking solutions, the county has strong potential to become a leading bioenergy hub.

The policy review identified Kilifi as a strategic county for scaling cassava based bioethanol value chains, particularly in arid and semi-arid areas where drought tolerant crops are better suited than conventional food crops. Existing initiatives involving the county government, private sector actors and financial institutions demonstrate that commercial bioethanol production is viable if supported by stronger policy coordination and investment.

At the same time, the county continues to face major energy access and environmental challenges. A large share of households still depends on charcoal and firewood for cooking, contributing to deforestation, environmental degradation and health risks associated with indoor air pollution.

The review found that while national clean cooking and bioenergy policies provide a strong foundation, county level implementation remains limited by weak coordination, inadequate extension services, fragmented supply chains and limited financing for farmers and local enterprises.

Strengthening the cassava to bioethanol value chain presents an opportunity to improve livelihoods, expand clean cooking access, support local manufacturing and reduce pressure on forests.

County Context

Kilifi County is located along Kenya’s coast and includes extensive arid and semi arid areas. Agriculture remains one of the county’s major economic activities, with cassava serving as an important food and cash crop for many households.

The county experiences:

·         periodic drought

·         high climate vulnerability

·         low rural incomes

·         growing pressure on natural resources

At the same time, demand for affordable cooking fuel continues to rise, particularly in urban and peri urban centres.

Most households continue to depend on:

·         charcoal

·         firewood

·         kerosene

This dependence contributes to:

·         forest degradation

·         household air pollution

·         rising household fuel costs

·         unsustainable harvesting practices

The transition toward modern clean cooking solutions therefore remains both an environmental and socioeconomic priority.

Why Kilifi Matters in Kenya’s Bioenergy Transition

Kilifi has several comparative advantages that make it important within Kenya’s emerging bioenergy sector.

1. Strong Cassava Potential

Cassava performs well in Kilifi’s climatic conditions due to its drought tolerance and ability to grow in relatively poor soils.

The crop offers:

·         reliable yields in dry conditions

·         high starch content for ethanol production

·         suitability for smallholder farming systems

·         potential for commercial aggregation

Cassava also requires lower water inputs compared to crops such as sugarcane.

2. Existing Private Sector Interest

The review identified growing private sector investment in cassava based bioethanol production within Kilifi County.

One of the most notable examples is the partnership involving:

·         Giraffe Bioenergy

·         Kilifi County Government

·         Equity Bank

The initiative aims to support cassava farming and bioethanol processing with projected production targets reaching approximately 15 million litres annually.

This demonstrates that:

·         commercial demand exists

·         farmer participation is possible

·         county level value chains can be developed

3. Strategic Role in Clean Cooking

Bioethanol can play an important role in reducing household dependence on charcoal and firewood.

Kilifi’s position within the coastal region creates opportunities for:

·         local clean cooking fuel distribution

·         stove retail networks

·         community energy enterprises

·         decentralized biofuel systems

The county can therefore support both feedstock production and fuel consumption markets.

Current Energy and Environmental Challenges

Despite these opportunities, Kilifi continues to face significant challenges linked to energy access and environmental sustainability.

Heavy Dependence on Biomass

Traditional biomass remains the dominant cooking fuel across many households.

This contributes to:

·         unsustainable charcoal production

·         forest degradation

·         indoor air pollution

·         health risks for women and children

The continued use of inefficient cooking systems also places pressure on household incomes.

 

Climate Vulnerability

Kilifi’s agricultural systems remain vulnerable to:

·         prolonged drought

·         erratic rainfall

·         declining soil productivity

Climate resilient crops such as cassava and sweet sorghum are therefore becoming increasingly important.

Limited Industrial Development

Although the county has agricultural potential, agro processing and value addition remain underdeveloped.

Most farmers still operate within:

·         informal markets

·         fragmented supply systems

·         low value chains

This limits income generation and discourages long term investment.

Existing Policy and Institutional Frameworks

Kilifi’s energy crops and clean cooking transition are guided by both national and county level frameworks.

National Frameworks Supporting Kilifi

Key national frameworks include:

·         Kenya Bioenergy Strategy 2020–2027

·         National Energy Policy 2025–2034

·         Kenya National Cooking Transition Strategy 2024–2028

·         Ethanol Cooking Fuel Master Plan

·         Energy Act 2019

These frameworks support:

·         clean cooking transition

·         renewable energy development

·         biofuel commercialization

·         county energy planning

County Level Role

Under the Energy Act 2019, county governments are responsible for:

·         local energy planning

·         promotion of renewable energy

·         development of County Energy Plans

·         coordination of local implementation

Kilifi County therefore has an important role in:

·         supporting farmers

·         facilitating investment

·         strengthening local markets

·         promoting clean cooking adoption

Key Gaps Identified in Kilifi County

The review identified several barriers affecting the growth of energy crops and bioethanol systems in Kilifi.

1. Weak Farmer Aggregation Systems

Most cassava farmers operate independently with limited access to:

·         collective marketing systems

·         structured buyers

·         storage facilities

·         contract farming arrangements

This creates inconsistent supply volumes for processors.

2. Limited Extension Services

Farmers continue to face limited access to:

·         technical training

·         improved planting materials

·         climate smart farming knowledge

·         commercial production guidance

Specialized extension support for energy crops remains insufficient.

3. Financing Constraints

Many smallholder farmers and local enterprises struggle to access:

·         affordable credit

·         startup financing

·         agricultural insurance

·         equipment financing

This slows expansion of both production and processing systems.

4. Inadequate Processing Infrastructure

Local processing capacity remains limited despite increasing production potential.

Major infrastructure gaps include:

·         processing facilities

·         aggregation centres

·         storage systems

·         rural transport infrastructure

Without these systems, commercialization remains difficult.

5. Low Public Awareness on Clean Cooking

Awareness of bioethanol cooking technologies remains relatively low in many communities.

Barriers include:

·         affordability concerns

·         limited access to stoves

·         limited consumer awareness

·         weak distribution systems

Opportunities for Kilifi County

Despite existing gaps, the county has major opportunities to position itself as a clean energy leader.

Expansion of Cassava Value Chains

Strengthening commercial cassava systems can:

·         increase farmer incomes

·         improve climate resilience

·         support industrial development

·         strengthen local manufacturing

Cassava offers one of the clearest pathways for scaling local bioethanol production.

Clean Cooking Enterprises

The growth of bioethanol cooking fuel creates opportunities for:

·         fuel distribution businesses

·         stove retail enterprises

·         women led clean energy enterprises

·         youth employment

This can support inclusive local economic development.

Public Private Partnerships

Kilifi already demonstrates strong potential for partnerships involving:

·         county government

·         private investors

·         financial institutions

·         development partners

These partnerships can accelerate investment and commercialization.

Climate Resilience and Sustainability

Drought tolerant crops can support:

·         climate adaptation

·         sustainable land use

·         reduced forest pressure

·         lower emissions

This aligns with Kenya’s broader climate and environmental goals.

Policy Recommendations

1. Strengthen Cassava Commercialization

The county should support:

·         farmer cooperatives

·         contract farming systems

·         aggregation centres

·         market linkage programs

Commercial organization is essential for stable supply chains.

2. Expand Extension Services

Kilifi should invest in:

·         specialized extension officers

·         climate smart agriculture training

·         improved seed distribution

·         farmer capacity building

This will improve productivity and quality.

3. Support Processing Infrastructure

Investment should prioritize:

·         local processing facilities

·         rural transport systems

·         storage infrastructure

·         decentralized energy hubs

Infrastructure remains critical for value chain growth.

4. Improve Access to Financing

County and national actors should support:

·         blended financing

·         SME financing windows

·         cooperative financing

·         agricultural credit access

Special attention should be given to youth and women led enterprises.

5. Promote Clean Cooking Adoption

The county should strengthen:

·         awareness campaigns

·         stove distribution systems

·         institutional clean cooking programs

·         partnerships with schools and health facilities

Expanding access to clean cooking remains central to reducing charcoal dependence.

6. Strengthen County Energy Planning

Kilifi should continue strengthening:

·         County Energy Plan implementation

·         renewable energy coordination

·         local data systems

·         investment promotion strategies

Effective planning will improve long term sector sustainability.

Conclusion

Kilifi County has the potential to become one of Kenya’s leading bioenergy and clean cooking regions. Its favorable conditions for cassava cultivation, growing private sector involvement and strategic position within Kenya’s clean energy transition create a strong foundation for long term development.

However, achieving this potential will require stronger coordination across government, investors, farmers and development partners.

Investments in farmer aggregation, extension services, processing infrastructure and clean cooking systems can help transform the county into a model for sustainable bioenergy development.

Kilifi’s transition toward modern bioenergy is not only an environmental opportunity. It is also an opportunity to strengthen rural livelihoods, expand local manufacturing, improve energy access and support climate resilience across the county.