Advancing Industrial Bioenergy, Clean Cooking and Sustainable Biomass Systems in Nakuru County
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 by IML Digital (Policy & Digitization Partner)
May 2026.
Special appreciation to the following policy reviewers for their invaluable contributions and insights:
- Lead Policy Reviewer: Dr. Ernest Njoroge
- Secondary Reviewers: Damaris Mitalo & Ibrahim Addero
Executive Summary
Nakuru County is strategically positioned to support Kenya’s transition toward modern bioenergy systems and clean cooking solutions. The county’s strong agricultural base, growing industrial activity and expanding urban population create opportunities for bioenergy development, biomass utilization and clean fuel adoption.
The policy review identified Nakuru as a county with strong potential for agro processing, biomass energy systems and waste to energy innovation. The county also presents opportunities for integrating clean cooking initiatives into urban and peri urban energy systems where demand for affordable household energy continues to rise.
At the same time, many households still depend on charcoal and firewood for cooking, contributing to forest degradation, household air pollution and environmental pressure.
The review found that although national frameworks supporting renewable energy and clean cooking are already in place, implementation at county level continues to face challenges including weak coordination, limited infrastructure, inadequate financing and low commercialization of sustainable biomass systems.
Strengthening Nakuru’s bioenergy ecosystem can support industrial growth, clean cooking transition, rural livelihoods and environmental sustainability while positioning the county as an important centre for renewable energy innovation.
County Context
Nakuru County is one of Kenya’s fastest growing economic and urban centres. The county has:
· strong agricultural production
· growing manufacturing activity
· expanding urban settlements
· increasing energy demand
Agriculture remains a major economic activity with production including:
· maize
· wheat
· potatoes
· dairy
· horticulture
· biomass residues from agriculture
The county’s growing population and industrial sector continue to increase demand for:
· household cooking energy
· industrial heating energy
· sustainable fuel systems
Traditional biomass remains widely used across many households, especially in peri urban and low income communities.
Energy and Bioenergy Situation in Nakuru
Dependence on Traditional Biomass
A significant number of households still rely on:
· charcoal
· firewood
· inefficient cooking systems
This contributes to:
· environmental degradation
· deforestation
· indoor air pollution
· rising household energy costs
Pressure on biomass resources continues to increase as urbanization expands.
Industrial Biomass Opportunity
Nakuru presents strong opportunities for:
· industrial biomass energy systems
· briquette production
· agricultural residue utilization
· waste to energy innovation
The county generates substantial agricultural and organic waste streams that can support cleaner biomass systems.
Growing Urban Clean Cooking Demand
Urban and peri urban growth is increasing demand for:
· affordable clean cooking fuels
· improved cookstoves
· decentralized energy systems
This creates opportunities for:
· bioethanol fuel distribution
· biomass briquette markets
· clean cooking enterprises
· local manufacturing systems
Existing Policy and Institutional Frameworks
Several national frameworks guide Nakuru County’s clean energy and bioenergy transition.
Kenya Bioenergy Strategy 2020–2027
The strategy supports:
· modernization of biomass systems
· renewable energy investment
· biofuel development
· sustainable clean cooking transition
National Energy Policy 2025–2034
The policy promotes:
· renewable energy development
· industrial energy efficiency
· clean cooking expansion
· decentralized energy systems
Kenya National Cooking Transition Strategy 2024–2028
The strategy aims to reduce household dependence on charcoal and firewood by expanding access to:
· LPG
· bioethanol
· electric cooking
· sustainable biomass technologies
County Energy Planning
Under the Energy Act 2019, county governments are responsible for:
· local energy planning
· renewable energy coordination
· implementation of County Energy Plans
· promotion of sustainable energy access
Nakuru County therefore plays a critical role in integrating clean energy systems into local development planning.
Key Challenges Identified
The review identified several barriers affecting sustainable bioenergy development in Nakuru County.
1. Continued Dependence on Unsustainable Biomass
Despite increasing awareness around clean energy, many households still depend on:
· charcoal
· firewood
· inefficient biomass systems
This contributes to ongoing environmental pressure and health risks.
2. Limited Clean Cooking Infrastructure
The county still faces gaps in:
· fuel distribution systems
· clean stove availability
· decentralized clean energy access
· affordable household energy systems
These gaps slow clean cooking adoption.
3. Weak Commercialization of Biomass Systems
Although agricultural residues and organic waste are available, commercialization remains limited due to:
· weak market systems
· limited investment
· inadequate processing infrastructure
· low private sector participation
4. Financing Constraints
Local enterprises and SMEs continue to face difficulties accessing:
· affordable financing
· clean energy investment support
· equipment financing
· business development services
This affects expansion of sustainable biomass enterprises.
5. Limited Technical Capacity
County level implementation remains constrained by:
· inadequate staffing
· limited technical expertise
· weak coordination systems
· limited renewable energy data
This affects long term planning and monitoring.
Opportunities for Nakuru County
Despite these challenges, Nakuru presents major opportunities for sustainable energy development.
Industrial Biomass Development
Agricultural and organic waste streams can support:
· biomass briquettes
· industrial heating systems
· waste to energy technologies
· cleaner production systems
This can reduce pressure on forests while supporting industrial sustainability.
Expansion of Clean Cooking Markets
The county’s growing urban population creates strong demand for:
· affordable clean fuels
· improved cookstoves
· decentralized cooking solutions
Opportunities exist for:
· bioethanol distribution
· biomass fuel systems
· women led clean energy enterprises
· retail and distribution networks
Innovation and Green Manufacturing
Nakuru can support:
· renewable energy innovation
· green manufacturing
· local clean energy enterprises
· circular economy initiatives
The county’s industrial ecosystem creates strong potential for investment.
Youth and SME Opportunities
Bioenergy systems can support:
· youth employment
· SME growth
· local manufacturing
· clean energy entrepreneurship
This can strengthen inclusive economic development.
Policy Recommendations
1. Promote Sustainable Biomass Systems
The county should support:
· biomass briquette production
· agricultural residue utilization
· efficient biomass technologies
· sustainable biomass supply systems
Reducing dependence on unsustainable charcoal remains a key priority.
2. Strengthen Clean Cooking Infrastructure
Priority investments should focus on:
· clean fuel distribution systems
· stove retail networks
· decentralized clean energy hubs
· institutional clean cooking systems
Access and affordability remain essential for adoption.
3. Support Waste to Energy Innovation
The county should promote:
· organic waste utilization
· circular economy systems
· industrial waste recovery
· decentralized waste to energy projects
This can strengthen environmental sustainability and resource efficiency.
4. Improve Access to Financing
Government and development partners should strengthen:
· SME financing windows
· green financing mechanisms
· youth enterprise support
· women led business financing
Investment support is necessary for commercialization.
5. Strengthen County Energy Planning
Nakuru County should continue improving:
· County Energy Plan implementation
· renewable energy coordination
· clean cooking integration
· energy data systems
Stronger planning frameworks will improve implementation effectiveness.
6. Build Public Private Partnerships
Partnerships involving:
· county government
· private sector actors
· research institutions
· development partners
can accelerate investment and technology adoption.
Conclusion
Nakuru County has strong potential to become an important centre for industrial bioenergy systems, clean cooking innovation and sustainable biomass development. Its agricultural resources, industrial growth and expanding urban market create favorable conditions for renewable energy investment and commercialization.
However, realizing this potential will require stronger coordination, improved infrastructure, expanded financing and greater support for local enterprises and sustainable biomass systems.
With coordinated investment and policy implementation, Nakuru can strengthen clean energy access, reduce environmental pressure and support inclusive green economic growth while contributing to Kenya’s broader renewable energy transition.