Kenya Power Lighting Company (Kenya Power) is working towards promoting the adoption of electric cooking (e-cooking) among its customers in Kenya. The company, which owns and operates the majority of the electricity transmission and distribution system in the country, sells electricity to over nine million customers. However, recent data indicates that only 1% of electricity customers use the service to cook, with the majority of Kenyans relying on wood fuel and gas.
Kenya Power is actively pushing for the uptake of e-cooking and aims to increase the number of users from approximately 90,000 to over 500,000 in the next three years. The company’s Managing Director & CEO, Dr. (Eng.) Joseph Siror, highlighted the untapped potential for e-cooking in the country and emphasized the need to change the perception that electricity is an expensive cooking alternative.
To drive the adoption of e-cooking, Kenya Power has partnered with organizations such as the Modern Energy Cooking Services (MECS), the African Centre for Technology Studies (ACTS), and the Clean Cooking Association of Kenya (CCAK). Additionally, the company has launched the Global eCooking Coalition (GeCCo) during the Africa Climate Week in Nairobi. GeCCo aims to accelerate the transition from traditional cooking methods to e-cooking both domestically and commercially.
By increasing the share of electric cooking, Kenya Power aims to boost its revenues while also reducing emissions from the widespread use of charcoal and firewood, as well as slowing down deforestation. Kenya’s grid is powered by over 90% renewables, including geothermal, wind, hydro, and some utility-scale solar. Increasing the use of these renewables for cooking purposes will help reduce emissions and save on the foreign currency used to import LPG.
Kenya Power’s public awareness campaign, “Pika na Power” (Cook with Electricity), aims to raise awareness and promote the benefits of e-cooking. The company has set up demonstration centers in several locations across the country to showcase the advantages of electric cooking.
Overall, the push for e-cooking in Kenya aligns with the country’s commitment to renewable energy and sustainability. With increased adoption, more Kenyans will have access to cleaner and more affordable cooking options.
Sources:
– Kenya Power
– Global eCooking Coalition (GeCCo)