Kenya has made significant strides in expanding access to clean cooking solutions, rising from just 10 per cent of households in 2013 to 31 per cent in 2023. First Lady Rachel Ruto says this progress is laying the foundation for the country’s ambition of achieving universal clean cooking access by 2028.
Speaking during the 6th Clean Cooking Week at Karisa Maitha Grounds in Kilifi town, Rachel described clean cooking as a matter of dignity and justice for Kenyan families.
“It is more than lighting a stove; it is about life itself. It is about fairness, justice, and equity for women. A mother should not risk her health in a smoky kitchen, and a child should not inhale harmful fumes while studying in the evening,” she said.
The First Lady emphasized that Kenya’s commitment extends beyond its borders, announcing she will champion the agenda at the upcoming Second Africa Climate Summit in Ethiopia. “This is not just Kenya’s mission; it is a continental ambition,” she added.
Through her Mama Doing Good initiative, in partnership with KEMRI and the CLEAN-Air (Africa) Research Unit, a training manual on household air pollution has been developed. Already, 4,000 women have been trained as champions of clean cooking, with plans to empower 130,000 community health promoters across the country to become ambassadors of safe kitchens and healthy homes.
Kilifi Governor Gideon Mung’aro, members of the National Assembly’s Departmental Committee on Energy, and international partners including the British High Commission and the German Consulate, attended the event.
Energy Cabinet Secretary Opiyo Wandayi reiterated government support, noting that clean cooking is central to Kenya’s energy policy. “Clean cooking is not only about public health, but also about protecting our environment from greenhouse gas emissions. Partnerships are the engine of success in this journey,” he said.
British High Commission Economic Counsellor Daniel Wilcox and German Honorary Consul Stefan Wentzel commended Kenya’s leadership, calling the country a pioneer in Africa’s clean cooking transition.
Gem MP Elisha Odhiambo pledged Parliament’s support through legislation and budgetary allocation to entrepreneurs driving the sector forward.
