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 Consultant)
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
Nairobi County plays a critical role in Kenya’s clean cooking and renewable energy transition due to its large urban population, expanding informal settlements and growing demand for affordable household energy.
Although Nairobi is Kenya’s economic and administrative centre, a significant number of households still depend on charcoal, kerosene and other polluting fuels for cooking, particularly within low income and informal settlements. This contributes to indoor air pollution, rising household energy costs and environmental pressure linked to unsustainable biomass consumption.
The policy review identified Nairobi as a strategic county for scaling clean cooking technologies, bioethanol fuel systems and urban energy distribution networks. The county also presents strong opportunities for clean energy entrepreneurship, local manufacturing and innovative last mile delivery systems.
At the same time, Nairobi faces major challenges including high fuel costs, uneven access to clean cooking technologies, limited public awareness in low income communities and weak integration of clean cooking within urban planning systems.
Strengthening clean cooking access and sustainable urban energy systems can improve household health, reduce pollution, create employment opportunities and support Kenya’s broader clean energy and climate goals.
County Context
Nairobi County is Kenya’s:
· capital city
· largest urban economy
· main industrial and commercial centre
The county has:
· rapid population growth
· expanding informal settlements
· rising household energy demand
· increasing pressure on urban infrastructure
Although electricity access is relatively high compared to many counties, affordability remains a major challenge for low income households.
As a result, many households continue using:
· charcoal
· kerosene
· firewood
· inefficient cooking systems
This is especially common within:
· informal settlements
· peri urban areas
· low income households
The county’s urban energy challenges therefore remain closely linked to affordability, accessibility and household income levels.
Clean Cooking and Energy Situation in Nairobi
High Urban Demand for Cooking Energy
Nairobi has one of the country’s largest markets for:
· household cooking fuels
· clean cooking technologies
· decentralized energy systems
Rapid urbanization continues to increase demand for:
· affordable cooking fuel
· reliable household energy
· safer cooking technologies
This creates strong opportunities for scaling clean cooking systems.
Continued Dependence on Polluting Fuels
Despite growing awareness around clean energy, many households still rely on:
· charcoal
· kerosene
· informal fuel systems
This contributes to:
· indoor air pollution
· respiratory illnesses
· household safety risks
· environmental degradation
Women and children remain the most affected by exposure to household air pollution.
Emerging Bioethanol Opportunity
Bioethanol cooking fuel presents strong potential in Nairobi due to:
· growing urban demand
· existing retail systems
· increasing awareness of clean cooking
· opportunities for decentralized distribution
The county can become a major market for:
· bioethanol fuel
· clean cooking appliances
· last mile distribution services
Existing Policy and Institutional Frameworks
Several national frameworks guide clean cooking and renewable energy transition in Nairobi County.
Kenya National Cooking Transition Strategy 2024–2028
The strategy aims to achieve universal access to clean cooking through expansion of:
· LPG
· bioethanol
· electricity
· biogas and sustainable biomass
Bioethanol is identified as an important fuel within Kenya’s urban clean cooking transition.
Kenya Bioenergy Strategy 2020–2027
The strategy promotes:
· modernization of biomass systems
· clean cooking expansion
· renewable energy investment
· formalization of bioenergy value chains
National Energy Policy 2025–2034
The policy supports:
· universal energy access
· clean energy transition
· renewable energy innovation
· sustainable urban energy systems
County Responsibilities
Under the Energy Act 2019, counties are responsible for:
· local energy planning
· renewable energy coordination
· support for clean energy initiatives
· County Energy Plan implementation
Nairobi County therefore has an important role in integrating clean cooking within urban planning and development systems.
Key Challenges Identified
The review identified several barriers affecting clean cooking transition in Nairobi County.
1. High Cost of Clean Cooking Technologies
Many low income households struggle to afford:
· clean cookstoves
· modern fuel systems
· electricity based cooking
· regular fuel refills
Affordability remains one of the biggest barriers to adoption.
2. Dependence on Informal Fuel Markets
A large share of households continue relying on informal fuel systems because:
· they are easily accessible
· upfront costs are lower
· distribution networks already exist
This slows transition to safer and cleaner alternatives.
3. Limited Awareness in Low Income Communities
Although awareness is improving, many households still lack information on:
· health risks of traditional fuels
· benefits of clean cooking
· safe use of bioethanol systems
· long term cost savings
Behavior change remains an important challenge.
4. Weak Last Mile Distribution Systems
Clean cooking expansion continues to face challenges linked to:
· inconsistent fuel supply
· weak retail networks
· limited distribution infrastructure
· inadequate support for informal settlements
This affects reliability and affordability.
5. Limited Integration into Urban Planning
Clean cooking and sustainable household energy systems are not yet fully integrated into:
· housing programs
· informal settlement upgrading
· county urban development planning
· public health strategies
This limits coordinated implementation.
Opportunities for Nairobi County
Despite these challenges, Nairobi presents major opportunities for clean cooking expansion and renewable energy innovation.
Expansion of Bioethanol Markets
Nairobi can become a major market for:
· bioethanol cooking fuel
· clean stove technologies
· decentralized retail systems
· urban fuel distribution networks
The county’s large consumer base creates strong commercial potential.
Youth and Women Led Enterprises
Clean cooking systems can support:
· youth employment
· women entrepreneurs
· informal sector enterprises
· last mile distribution businesses
Opportunities exist across:
· retail
· distribution
· maintenance
· awareness campaigns
Urban Innovation and Technology
Nairobi’s innovation ecosystem creates opportunities for:
· digital energy platforms
· smart distribution systems
· clean energy startups
· green manufacturing
This can accelerate adoption of modern cooking technologies.
Public Health Benefits
Expanding clean cooking access can help reduce:
· indoor air pollution
· respiratory illnesses
· household safety risks
This aligns directly with urban public health priorities.
Policy Recommendations
1. Expand Affordable Clean Cooking Access
Priority interventions should include:
· subsidized stove programs
· affordable financing models
· fuel access support
· targeted low income household programs
Affordability remains critical for adoption.
2. Strengthen Last Mile Distribution Systems
The county should support:
· decentralized fuel access points
· informal settlement distribution systems
· local retail networks
· urban clean cooking enterprises
Reliable supply systems are essential for long term transition.
3. Increase Public Awareness Campaigns
Awareness programs should focus on:
· health benefits of clean cooking
· safe use of bioethanol systems
· environmental impacts of traditional fuels
· long term household savings
Community engagement remains essential.
4. Support Youth and Women Enterprises
County and development partners should strengthen:
· SME financing
· entrepreneurship support
· clean cooking enterprise development
· technical training programs
Inclusive economic participation should remain central to implementation.
5. Complete Integration of Clean Cooking into Urban Planning
Clean cooking should be integrated into:
· county housing strategies
· informal settlement upgrading
· climate action planning
· public health programs
This will strengthen long term coordination and sustainability.
6. Strengthen Public Private Partnerships
Partnerships involving:
· county government
· clean energy companies
· development partners
· financial institutions
can accelerate market growth and technology adoption.
Conclusion
Nairobi County is central to Kenya’s clean cooking and renewable energy transition. Its growing urban population, expanding energy demand and strong market potential create significant opportunities for scaling modern cooking systems and sustainable household energy solutions.
At the same time, affordability challenges, informal fuel dependence and uneven distribution systems continue to slow adoption among low income households.
With stronger investment, coordinated planning and expanded clean cooking access, Nairobi can become a leading urban model for sustainable energy transition while improving public health, reducing pollution and supporting inclusive green economic growth.