How Clean Cookstoves Are Transforming Lives in Kenya's Refugee Camps
Kakuma, 2 October 2026
A pioneering energy project in Kenya is helping over 16,000 refugees access clean cookstoves, significantly reducing harmful smoke, cutting fuel costs, and lowering carbon emissions.
A Market-Driven Approach to Clean Cooking
The Market-Based Energy Access (MBEA) project, funded by Energising Development (EnDev) and implemented by SNV, is driving a sustainable transition towards clean household utility in Kenya’s Turkana County [1]. By focusing on the Kakuma Refugee Camp and the Kalobeyei Settlement, the initiative aims to establish commercially viable supply and distribution networks for high-quality, higher-tier cookstoves [1]. This market-led strategy helps refugee and host community households reduce their reliance on firewood, save money on fuel, and mitigate the severe health risks associated with indoor smoke inhalation [1]. Through these interventions, the project aims to provide cleaner cooking solutions to 16,500 people and create 90 jobs along the local value chain [1].
Affordable Solar Solutions and Financial Innovation
In addition to clean cooking, the MBEA project addresses lighting and electricity needs by segmenting the solar market to target different customer groups [1]. Many low-income refugees currently rely on local generators, paying approximately €11 per month for only a few hours of daily electricity [1]. To offer a cheaper and more reliable alternative, the project facilitates access to PicoPV solar products (ranging from 1 to 100 watts) for lighting and mobile phone charging [1]. By using innovative financing mechanisms such as Pay-As-You-Go (PAYG) models, the initiative lowers the financial barrier to entry, aiming to bring solar access to 21,200 people [1]. Combined, the clean cooking and solar initiatives are projected to benefit a total of 37700 people in the region [1].
Environmental Impact and Local Entrepreneurship
The economic and environmental benefits of the MBEA project extend beyond individual households. The initiative is designed to foster local entrepreneurship by creating 100 energy entrepreneurs and stimulating Ksh 80,000,000 in investments from households, as well as the private and public sectors [1]. On the environmental front, the project is expected to lead to significant carbon savings, with projected annual emission reductions of 2,241 tonnes of CO2e and an additional 682.8 tonnes of CO2e [1]. This results in a combined estimated annual reduction of 2923.8 tonnes of CO2e [1], directly contributing to global climate mitigation efforts while improving local living standards.
How to Access the Services and Eligibility Criteria
Refugees and host community members in Kakuma and Kalobeyei can access these energy products through local retail networks and trained energy entrepreneurs supported by the project [1]. For advanced and low-cost improved cookstoves, the primary target group includes households with a stable or recurring income, low mobility rates, and active usage of mobile phones and mobile money services [1]. To ensure that low-income households are not left behind, the project collaborates with the local organisation LOKADO to supply affordable, locally manufactured stoves, including the Matawi, Jiko kisasa, and rocket stove inserts [1]. Solar products can be acquired through flexible PAYG financing plans to spread out the cost [1]. Please note that specific application deadlines or enrollment cut-offs are not outlined in the current project framework [alert! ‘The source material does not specify a deadline for participation or product acquisition’].