Respiratory diseases pose a significant health challenge for millions of people in Kenya, primarily due to the widespread burning of biomass fuels such as firewood for cooking. Evans Amukoye, a scientist at the Kenya Medical Research Institute’s respiratory diseases research centre, highlights the dangers of indoor pollution caused by biomass combustion, particularly the emission of particulate matter (PM 2.5), which is associated with pneumonia and asthma. Efforts like the “Clean Air” study by KEMRI are exploring cleaner alternatives like LPG gas, although affordability remains a barrier. Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease alone accounts for 1.7% of deaths in Kenya, according to data from the health ministry.
Low-income communities bear the brunt of respiratory diseases, often diagnosed later in life due to limited awareness and healthcare access. The Economic Survey of 2024 reveals that a staggering 93.8% of Kenyan households rely on biomass fuels, primarily firewood, for cooking. Informal settlements and rural areas are particularly vulnerable, with households facing limited options beyond traditional cooking fuels. The 2022 Demographic and Health Survey underscores the persistent reliance on biomass fuels, with over 9.1 million households dependent on them, indicating a pressing need for sustainable solutions.
This reliance on biomass fuels is not unique to Kenya but reflects a global issue affecting billions worldwide. The World Health Organization attributes millions of deaths annually to household pollution, with Sub-Saharan Africa seeing a significant proportion of these fatalities. Women and children are disproportionately affected, constituting 60% of early deaths related to indoor air pollution across Africa. Addressing this crisis requires substantial investments in clean cooking technologies and infrastructure, estimated at $8 billion annually by the International Energy Agency (IEA).
Kenya is making strides in energy efficiency and access, as evidenced by its efforts to double energy efficiency goals and achieve universal electricity access by 2030. With electricity access increasing from 20% in 2013 to nearly 85% in 2019, the country is on a trajectory towards greater energy sustainability. The recent IEA conference in Nairobi emphasized the importance of accelerating energy efficiency progress, underscoring Kenya’s commitment to enhancing access to cleaner and more sustainable energy sources.
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