Introduction
Over 80% of households in Kilifi County, representing more than 250,000 households, depend on biomass fuels such as firewood and charcoal for cooking (Kenya National Bureau of Statistics, 2019). This heavy reliance on traditional fuels contributes to household air pollution, environmental degradation through deforestation, and rising energy costs for families (Clean Cooking Association of Kenya, 2025). Despite national and global efforts to promote clean cooking technologies, adoption in the County has remained slow due to limited awareness, affordability challenges, and the absence of a coordinated policy framework to guide investment, coordination, and large-scale uptake of clean cooking solutions.
The lack of a structured policy framework has particularly constrained innovation, private sector participation, and sustained investment in alternative energy solutions, resulting in fragmented and uncoordinated interventions across the County.
The problem particularly affects women and children, who are disproportionately exposed to smoke from traditional cooking methods and often spend considerable time collecting firewood. Prolonged exposure to indoor air pollution increases the risk of respiratory diseases and other health complications, while the time spent gathering fuel reduces opportunities for education and income-generating activities (World Health Organization; The Star, 2025).
Public institutions are also affected, as many schools and Early Childhood Development Education (ECDE) centres rely heavily on firewood and traditional three-stone fires to prepare meals for learners. This has resulted in inefficient fuel use, excessive smoke emissions, and increased operational costs These cooking methods also contribute to environmental pressure due to increased demand for wood fuel.
The lack of a clean cooking policy has limited structured transition pathways toward clean and sustainable cooking technologies, leaving households and institutions dependent on unsustainable and unhealthy cooking practices. This highlighted the urgent need for a comprehensive County-level clean cooking policy to guide planning, investment, and implementation.
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