The Kenyan government is working to promote clean energy sources among its citizens to reduce reliance on fossil fuels. One of the key initiatives is the adoption of biogas, a renewable energy source being implemented through the Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA).
The program, led by the State Department for Energy, focuses on demonstrating and providing clean cooking energy to households. This effort aligns with Kenya’s commitment to achieve Net Zero emissions by 2050, as outlined in the Kenya Energy Transition and Investment Plan (ETIP). The plan highlights biogas, renewable energy, and other technologies as essential steps to combat climate change.
Under the Biogas BETA project, biogas plants are being installed on selected farms across the country to showcase the technology to local communities.
In Kakamega County, two farmers have already benefited. Patrick Shitekha, a farmer from Shinyalu, shared how the biogas plant has transformed his daily life. “Since I got the biogas plant, I no longer use firewood or charcoal. It also helps me cut costs on electricity and gas. The only input needed is cow dung,” he explained.
Shitekha also uses the leftover slurry from the biogas plant as organic fertilizer. “I apply the waste to my crops like green vegetables and Napier grass. It’s very effective, and my crops grow much better without artificial fertilizers,” he added.
Another beneficiary, Winstone Etemere from Ikolomani, said the biogas installation has made cooking easier for his family. “We use a biogas burner that provides enough heat for cooking and even for brooding chickens. It’s a cost-effective and sustainable alternative to firewood and LPG,” he said.
Etemere praised the government for providing biogas plants but urged for more support in dairy farming. “We need modern equipment, better cattle breeds, and improved transport systems to increase milk production and make farming more efficient,” he said.
Centres for Learning Clean Energy Solutions
Farmers are encouraged to visit energy centres across the country to learn more about clean energy technologies, including biogas, solar power, wind energy, and agroforestry. These centres, managed by the Rural Electrification and Renewable Energy Corporation (REREC), provide demonstrations, training, and resources to promote sustainable energy practices.
In Kakamega, the Bukura Energy Centre serves as a resource for farmers from neighbouring areas such as Kisumu, Vihiga, and Bungoma. Other centres, located in regions like Busia, Garissa, Kisii, and Kericho, provide similar support to farmers across Kenya.
This initiative demonstrates the government’s efforts to empower farmers with affordable, clean energy options while working towards the country’s environmental goals.
For detailed information and further insights, please refer to BioEnergyTimes.com, which provides the latest news about the Biogas Industry
