Author: Robin Okuthe

More than 90% of rural Kenyan schools still rely on firewood for cooking. Nationally, over 250 tons of firewood are consumed annually by boarding schools alone, according to 2024 data from the Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI). The result? Thousands of cooks and students across the country, including in counties like Kwale, are exposed daily to smoke levels that exceed World Health Organization (WHO) safety limits.

And yet, despite these glaring numbers, most school kitchens in Kwale still operate under a blackened iron roof, fueled by chopped trees and choking smoke.

Smoke Levels in Kenyan Schools exceed WHO limits

Dr. James Mwitari, a senior research fellow in Environmental Health and Epidemiology at KEMRI and Co-Director of Clean Air Africa, warns that these conditions are not just outdated—they’re dangerous. “We’re seeing school kitchens producing PM 2.5 pollutants far above safe levels,” he says. This puts cooks, children, and teachers at risk of lung disease, cardiovascular illness, and even school absenteeism.

Air quality sensors in parts of Kenya have consistently showed PM2.5 levels, which exceed WHO limits. Studies have shown that PM2.5 levels in school kitchens, as well as classrooms and among cooks, can be significantly higher than the WHO’s recommended 24-hour average.

With Kenya racing toward its ambitious 2028 target of 100% clean cooking access, Kwale’s continued dependence on biomass raises serious questions. Why are so few schools preparing to adopt cleaner alternatives like LPG or solar cooking? And more importantly, what can be done now to reverse the trend?

Schools, often operating on tight budgets and serving hundreds of boarding students daily, have become heavy consumers of firewood, with the KEMRI reporting that boarding schools need up to 250 tons of firewood annually to meet their cooking energy needs. The WHO estimates indicate 360 tons of firewood annually. The result is predictable and alarming: forest degradation, indoor air pollution, and chronic health issues for kitchen staff and students alike.

A Daily Dose of Smoke

In a recent technical survey that Miale Solar and KCB conducted in at least 14 Kwale schools, the reality was glaring. Nearly all kitchens surveyed still used firewood. Cooks worked in thick smoke, many without protective gear. In one school, the head cook admitted to suffering from persistent eye irritation.

Dr. James Mwitari raised the alarm during a recent press briefing.

“The vision of transitioning schools to clean cooking by end of 2025 is achievable with collaborative arrangements such as this,” he said, referring to recent public-private sector initiatives. “”Ninety per cent of schools are using wood fuel to run their kitchens and these kitchens there are cooks there who are staying there for very many hours, we have children who are being exposed in their classrooms as well as in the dormitories and the playgrounds.”

These put cooks, children, and teachers at risk of pulmonary and cardiovascular diseases.”

He also pointed out a little-discussed impact of biomass smoke: school absenteeism and poor cognitive performance among children. “This isn’t just an environmental issue,” Dr. Mwitari emphasized. “It’s a public health emergency.”

Why Clean Cooking Matters Now

Kenya has set an ambitious but necessary goal: 100% access to clean cooking by 2028. In its latest Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) to the UNFCCC, the country committed to reducing its greenhouse gas emissions by 35% by 2035, a reduction of over 72 million tons of CO2 equivalent. Clean cooking technologies, including solar and LPG, are central to that effort.

But the push isn’t just about numbers. It’s about human lives.

“Clean cooking sits at the heart of Kenya’s broader development agenda,” says Collins Situma, clean cooking engineer at Miale Solar. “It touches on health, education, climate, and gender equality. When you walk into a school that has adopted LPG or solar cooking like, for instance, Kenswed Secondary, the cooks are happy with their environment. They can breathe. That’s dignity.”

Why LPG Isn’t Taking Root in Kwale

Still, the transition to Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) has been slow, especially in counties like Kwale. Many schools remain wary of switching to LPG, citing rising global fuel prices and the risk of recurrent costs. Some schools that had started transitioning later reverted to wood due to the cost of refilling cylinders.

“LPG is clean, yes. But we had to cook beans with gas, the cylinder won’t last that long,” says a school cook in Gholini Mixed Secondary School in Kwale. “We would still have to pre-cook with firewood and only use gas to warm food. So, we stick to firewood.”

This hybrid approach of having gas and firewood is common across the country, particularly in schools across the Nyanza. It reflects the harsh economic realities of rural institutions. Fuel stacking, as experts call it, is a symptom of cost, not preference.

Miale Solar and KCB’s Green Lending Model as a Game Changer

Recognizing the urgency of the situation, Miale Solar has stepped forward with an innovative, solar-powered clean cooking solution tailor-made for schools in off-grid and semi-grid areas like Kwale. Unlike LPG, which relies on external supply chains, Miale’s solar cooking systems offer free, abundant energy once installed and are virtually maintenance-free for years. The equipment comes with reliable battery storage.

In partnership with Miale Solar and Mwalimu Express, KCB offers schools an accessible financing model. Under the agreement, KCB offers collateral-free green loans at an annual interest rate of 9.75 percent to eligible schools for a maximum of 7 years. Public schools can access as much as Ksh20 million in financiering. Private schools can get ksh10 million.

The longer schools wait to transition, the steeper the cost becomes. It’s not just about finances; it’s about student health, teacher wellbeing, and academic outcomes. Black soot on kitchen walls might seem normal now, but it is a sign of toxic air. This is an invisible burden on learners and staff.

Already, studies are linking indoor air pollution in schools to poor attention spans, missed school days, and even long-term respiratory damage.

If the Ministry of Education is serious about aligning with the Presidential Decree on Clean Cooking by 2028, then counties like Kwale need to act fast and leverage the support structures already in place.

Schools Have the Power to Lead

Clean cooking is no longer a dream. It’s a working reality in counties that have embraced county-level energy planning and partnered with private sector players like Miale Solar. But adoption isn’t just about installing stoves, it’s about leadership, awareness, and courage.

There are over 41 secondary schools in Kwale. Each school spends about US$30,000 year on firewood, on average, according to Africa Research & Impact Network (ARIN). Schools can from 250 to 360 tons of firewood annually, which causes a lot of emissions from the kitchen.

Also, the kitchen staff spend as much as 15 hours preparing meals, leading to inefficiencies. Cooks will have more time to spend with their families and the amount of emissions produced will be cut by at least 50% when once solar cookers are installed. As a result of a conducive learning atmosphere, students will have plenty of time to read and will also have room for inventiveness.

Kwale has a golden opportunity to be a model for others to show that decentralized, renewable energy solutions can work, even in remote areas.

And the stakes couldn’t be higher. Situma said, “Every day we delay, more children breathe in toxins that affect how they learn, how they grow, and how they live. That’s a cost we can no longer afford.”

A Call to Principals and Education Officers

Click the link to contact Miale Solar today to explore solar cooking solutions tailored for your school, or reach out to KCB to learn more about green financing for educational institutions.

Kenya’s schools are in critical need of a clean energy revolution. Some 90 percent of schools in the country still rely on firewood and charcoal as their primary cooking fuel. Statistics from the Ministry of Energy and the Clean Cooking Alliance reveal that this widespread dependency contributes to the cutting down of more than 10 million trees every year, much of it directly linked to school kitchens. Meanwhile, the World Health Organization estimates that indoor air pollution from solid fuels is responsible for over 23,000 premature deaths annually in Kenya, many of which occur among kitchen staff exposed to constant smoke.

In most Kenyan schools, kitchen staff are exposed to constant smoke.

Gloomy statistics

This crisis is not only environmental and health-related. It’s economic. Schools spend up to 30 percent of their annual operational budgets on cooking fuel, often with fluctuating firewood prices and unreliable supply chains. And despite government attempts to introduce LPG as an alternative, Miale Solar’s random survey across some schools in coastal and western Kenya reveal that school either revert, or are likely to revert, to firewood due to prohibitively high refilling costs and safety concerns.

Schools are likely to revert to firewood due to high gas refilling costs and safety concerns.

Such forbidding statistics formed the backdrop of the recently concluded 48th Kenya Secondary School Heads Association (KESSHA) Conference, where over 7,000 school principals gathered to address the urgent need for sustainable energy solutions among other issues. Among the innovators answering the call was Miale Solar, a pioneering solar engineering firm already transforming kitchens in schools across Kenya with clean, affordable, and health-friendly cooking systems. At the conference, Miale Solar emerged not just as a participant, but as a pioneer in clean cooking in Kenyan schools.

At KESSHA, Miale Solar emerged as a pioneer in clean cooking in Kenyan schools

For Miale Solar, clean cooking using solar energy is not a vision for the future.It is a growing movement, powered by research, engineered with precision, and aligned with the Competency-Based Education (CBE) framework that positions sustainability, innovation, and real-world problem solving at the core of Kenya’s education system.

The Truth in the Smoke

It’s one thing to speak about sustainability from a conference podium, and quite another to step into a school kitchen engulfed in smoke. That’s exactly what Miale Solar has done across counties. One such visit took the team to Bishop Linus Okok Girls and in Oyugis, where the kitchen staff gave disturbing accounts of daily exposure to thick, suffocating smoke from firewood stoves.

Kitchen gave accounts of daily exposure to suffocating smoke from firewood stoves.

“We can barely breathe in the kitchen. The smoke also irritates eyes. We’re glad Miale is bringing solar cooking to our school,” lamented a staff member during the site visit.

This is not an isolated incident.

Across dozens of schools in Homa Bay, Oyugis, Mbita, Kisii, Mombasa and Kwale, Miale Solar has encountered similar scenes. Blackened walls, teary-eyed cooks, and a silent crisis that’s been normalized for too long.

Most schools in Nyanza are transitioning toward cleaner, cost-effective, and healthier energy sources

The excessive reliance on firewood not only endangers health but also drives up costs and accelerates deforestation. according to Erick Naivasha, KCB’s Head of Sustainability, Kenyan schools are responsible for the cutting down of over millions of trees annually, an environmental and economic tragedy.

“We must act decisively to transition schools toward cleaner, cost-effective, and healthier energy sources. It is not only a sustainability issue; it’s a matter of health, cost efficiency, and climate responsibility,” Naivasha said.

In partnership with Miale Solar and Mwalimu Express, the Bank is spearheading a clean energy transition in schools across the country.

Miale Solar, Mwalimu Express, and KCB are spearheading a clean energy transition in schools across the country

Innovation Based on Research

What sets Miale Solar apart is not just its technology. It’s the why behind it.

Miale’s clean cooking systems are the product of intensive on-ground research and engineering ingenuity, developed with the unique needs of schools in mind. From pressurized to non-pressurized solar cooking pots that drastically reduce firewood consumption, Miale has emerged as the go-to partner for schools seeking long-term energy solutions.

Miale has emerged as the go-to partner for schools seeking long-term energy solutions.

And as schools shift toward the CBE curriculum, which emphasizes sustainability and applied learning, Miale’s work becomes even more relevant.

“Our solutions do more than cook. They teach,” says Stephen Adwong’a, CEO at Miale, highlighting how Miale’s systems are integrated with STEM and environmental education, allowing students to understand real-world applications of clean energy.

Cost versus Reality of LPG

Despite government initiatives to promote LPG in public schools, adoption has been dismal. According to The Nation, the government’s resolution to endorse the use of LPG in public schools is a creditable “step forward; however, it remains unaffordable.”

“The reality on the ground is that LPG is expensive. Schools can’t sustain it,” said one principal during the KESSHA conference. “We start with it, but we always end up back to firewood.”

Cost dilemma has left schools juggling between unaffordable gas and scarce firewood

This cost dilemma leaves schools juggling between unaffordable gas and increasingly scarce firewood. In this energy gap, Miale Solar has planted a practical solution that reduces costs, improves health, and is scalable.

Research from Clean Cooking Alliance (2024) shows that schools that adopt clean cooking technologies see up to 40 percent savings on cooking fuel costs, while significantly reducing indoor air pollution, which contributes to chronic respiratory illness among kitchen staff.

Miale Fueling the Movement, KCB Financing the Future

Miale’s strategic partnership with Kenya Commercial Bank (KCB) and Mwalimu Express is another game-changer.

At KESSHA, Mr. Naivasha made it clear: “We must act decisively to transition schools toward cleaner, cost-effective, and healthier energy sources. It is not only a sustainability issue; it’s a matter of health, cost efficiency, and climate responsibility.”

Through its Clean Energy in Schools Initiative, KCB is promoting solar power, biogas, and clean cooking alongside Miale Solar’s innovations. The bank is not just financing, it’s mobilizing a movement.

“KCB has supported over 5,000 students through sponsorship programmes, but more than that, we’re working to create sustainable learning environments,” Naivasha noted.

This partnership will allow schools to access affordable financing for clean energy systems, solving one of the biggest barriers to adoption, which is upfront cost.

The partnership will allow schools to access affordable financing for clean energy systems

The Growth of Interest

The KESSHA conference, which brought together over 7,000 principals and 1,000 education stakeholders, marked a turning point.

For the first time, clean cooking took center stage not just as a health or cost issue, but as a cornerstone of education reform under CBE. Principals from across the country spoke of the need to align sustainability with school operations, to prepare students not only for exams, but for the future.

Clean cooking has taken a center stage as a health and cost issue, and as education reform under CBE

And in the midst of this national discourse, Miale Solar stood tall with evidence, experience, and engineering.

As Kenya accelerates its transition to green energy in education, Miale Solar is miles ahead in the race. Not just because of its technology, but because of its vision, resolution, and commitment to solving real problems with real solutions.

Therefore

Miale Solar invites schools, county governments, and education stakeholders to be part of the clean energy transformation. Together with KCB and Mwalimu Express, the dream of clean cooking in every school kitchen is within reach.

When the Kenyan Ministry of Energy and Petroleum released the Kenya National Electric Cooking Strategy (KNeCS) in 2024, the move was hailed as historic. Kenya became the first country in Africa to publish a national strategy aimed at replacing biomass with electric cooking.

Beneath the glowing headlines, a glaring oversight exists, one that threatens to derail the country’s clean energy transition.

The 2024 strategy, which lays out plans to convert at least 10% of household cooking to electricity by 2028, devotes almost no attention to institutional cooking. In an unobtrusive oversight, the strategy marginalizes a key sector that could dramatically accelerate national clean cooking goals, institutional kitchens schools, hospitals, prisons, universities, and boarding facilities across the country.

“We cannot decarbonize our kitchens by focusing on households alone,” says Stephen Adwong’a, CEO of Miale Solar, a clean energy company pioneering solar cooking technologies in Kenya. “Institutions are some of the biggest users of firewood and charcoal. Ignoring them is like trying to drain the ocean with a spoon.”

The Invisible Polluter in Plain Sight

While the KNeCS correctly identifies that 68% of Kenyan households still cook using firewood, charcoal, or kerosene, it does not offer a roadmap for how the country’s over 20,000 boarding schools, thousands of hospitals, and dozens of prisons should transition to electric or clean energy alternatives.

The current strategy acknowledges the potential of “institutional eCooking” but only as a research and development objective, without offering a roadmap for implementation or funding. This oversight undermines Kenya’s commitment to universal clean cooking accessby 2028 as envisioned in its Clean Cooking Compact.

Kenya’s schools, hospitals, prisons, and boarding facilities remain heavyweight consumers of biomass fuels. A 2018 Clean Cooking Alliance report and subsequent Ministry of Energy findings indicate that over 91% of schools still rely on firewood, and most health facilities and prisons cook using inefficient charcoal stoves or open fires.

Educational, health, and correctional institutions in Kenya commonly rely on traditional cooking fuels. The annual consumption of firewood in these institutions is estimated to be approximately 1.3 million tons. For an average primary school, the annual consumption is estimated to be between 64 tons and 164 tons when utilizing improved and traditional stoves, respectively leading to an annual consumption ranging from 2.8m and 6.9 million tons by 43,076 primary and 50 secondary schools in Kenya. These institutions consume tons of biomass weekly, contributing significantly to deforestation and greenhouse gas emissions, yet they barely receive mention in the KNeCS.

But it’s not just environmental. Health is on the line too.

Institutional cooking doesn’t just pollute, it kills. A study by the Ministry of Health estimates that 21,500 Kenyans die prematurely each year due to indoor air pollution, much of it stemming from biomass cooking in enclosed spaces like school kitchens. A report from the Stockholm Environment Institute (2016) reveals that acute lower respiratory infections are the second leading cause of death in Kenya, accounting for 26% of all reported deaths in Kenyan hospitals. The health burden on kitchen staff is enormous and underreported.

Environmentally, the contribution is staggering. Biomass use in institutions accounts for a significant fraction of the 40% of national GHG emissions attributed to cooking, according to the KNeCS Baseline Study 2023. Moreover, schools in arid and semi-arid lands must often buy firewood at exorbitant prices or depend on illegal logging, accelerating land degradation.

Economically, schools and hospitals that rely on biomass cooking face rising costs and operational inefficiencies. Schools are by far the most significant consumers of fuel. About 90 percent of public schools use firewood for cooking and pay up to US$20,000 per year for the wood. This makes cooking fuel one of the biggest expenses in schools’ meal budgets.

Case of Kenswed School and the Miale Solar Model

While the government strategizes, Miale Solar is already doing. At Kenswed Secondary School in Ngong, Miale Solar implemented a pilot system combining grid-tied solar panels and electric pressure cookers. The school installed two 200-litre electric cooking pots, powered by a 24kW solar PV system.

The results were revolutionary. Cooking time reduced by at least 50%, and schools reported significant savings of between 20-50% in fuel costs. But more importantly, the intervention offered proof that solar-powered institutional cooking is not only viable, it’s transformative.

Kitchen air quality dramatically improved. Kitchen staff who once choked on smoke now operate in clean, quiet environments. “Now rice is ready in less than 15 minutes. And there’s no smoke,” says the school’s cook.

This is not just innovation, it’s transformation.

Lessons Afield. What Rwanda and Zambia Are Doing

Zimbabwe, under the UNDP’s Solar for Health program, is powering clinics and health centers, reducing their dependence on firewood for sterilization and food preparation.

Kenya is not alone in grappling with institutional energy needs.

Rwanda’s National Strategy for Transformation targets zero use of biomass in public institutions by 2030, with measurable progress already being made.

Zambia, with support from the World Bank, has begun solarizing rural schools and clinics as part of a national program—recognizing that reliable energy in schools not only improves learning but also improves teacher retention. Zambia has also initiated a clean energy transition in public schools, installing solar-powered systems in over 1,000 rural learning institutions.

Kenya risks falling behind these peers unless it expands its focus beyond household kitchens. KNeCS could be improved by drawing on these regional insights.

Why Ignoring Institutions is a Strategic Error for KNeCS

The KNeCS policy was a landmark document but one in need of revision. The lack of a dedicated institutional clean cooking framework ignores a sector with immense scalability potential. Transitioning just 5,000 schools to electric cooking could save thousands of acres of forest annually and dramatically reduce health risks for millions of children.

By omitting institutional kitchens from its electric cooking strategy, Kenya risks missing major carbon mitigation targets and sidelining a cost-effective public health intervention. It also risks failing to leverage economies of scale for appliance roll-out and overlooking one of the fastest routes to electricity demand growth

 “We are ready to scale,” says Adwong’a, “What we need now is a national framework that allows clean cooking for institutions to be seen as a public infrastructure priority, not an afterthought.”

Policy Recommendations

Miale recommends that a dual-track strategy is essential, one that combines household and institutional transitions. The benefits would cascade boosting demand for locally made appliances, reducing healthcare costs, empowering women in kitchen labor, and even stimulating electricity demand, thereby improving Kenya Power’s revenue base. The eCooking Transition Scenario in KNeCS already estimates a Ksh110 billion increase in utility revenue by 2028 with increased demand. Imagine the impact if KNeCs could have included institutions.

To correct this, the Ministry of Energy should consider revising the strategy to include clear targets for institutional clean cooking adoption and dedicated financing models for public schools and hospitals. It also needs to leverage public-private partnerships to scale solar and electric cooking, and the integration with national carbon reduction and climate finance mechanisms.

Recommending a Dual-Track Strategy

By pursuing a dual-track strategy, targeting both households and institutions, the country can cut emissions, reduce deforestation, protect public health, and improve food security — all while increasing energy access and utility revenue.

Institutions are like broadcasters in their communities. When a school cooks clean, an entire village will know, and takes note.

And as Miale Solar has proven, the technology exists. The models work. The pilots are successful. The next thing is scaling it.

Therefore…

The heart of Kenya’s electrification dream should beat not just in living rooms in the home. But in lunch halls, maternity wings, and prison kitchens. It’s time for Kenya to go beyond households by powering our institutions.

“Let us not forget: institutions shape generations. If we teach our children in classrooms heated by firewood smoke, we condition them to accept pollution as normal. But if we cook their meals in silence powered by the sun, we train them to expect innovation, dignity, and sustainability,” concludes Adwong’a.

The global energy sector currently undergoes a transformation at a pace few could have predicted a decade ago. According to the latest research by global energy thinktank Ember, clean energy sources accounted for over 40% of global electricity generation in 2024, the most visible energy revolution “not seen since the industrial expansions of the 1940s.” Among these, solar farms have emerged as the world’s fastest-growing source of electricity, underlining a profound shift in the global energy matrix.

Stephen Adwong’a, Miale Solar’s chief executive, said: “Solar power has gradually transformed into the engine of the global energy transition. When combined with battery storage, solar is becoming an inexorable force. We have seen that it is the fastest-growing and, without a doubt, the largest source of clean energy making it the force that will meet the world’s ever-growing demand for electricity.”

In general, solar power remains a comparatively small fragment of the global energy system. It comprises nearly 7% of the world’s electricity, as of 2024, according to Ember. Wind power makes up nearly 8% of the global power system.

Current trends in Kenya

Nowhere is this shift more noticeable, or more urgent, than in Kenya. Traditionally considered a leader in geothermal energy, Kenya has begun making significant investments in solar infrastructure. As of December 2024, solar energy contributed 3.5% to the country’s electricity generation mix, while geothermal accounted for 41.7%. Though modest in proportion, the growth trajectory for solar is steep. The country’s average annual generation per unit of installed photovoltaic (PV) capacity ranges from 1400-1600 kWh per kilowatt-peak (kWp). Statistics from Kenya National Bureau of Statistics (KNBS) shows that solar power generated  climbed to a record 492.48 million kWh in 2023 as a result of the rising number of solar farms, marking an increase of around 28% from the output a year earlier.

Nationally, strategic projects have strengthened this expansion. The Malindi Solar Power Station, commissioned in 2022, contributes 52MW to the national grid, and 40MW Alten Kenya solarfarms plant in Uasin Gishu, commissioned in 2023. Others include the upcoming Kisumu Solar Power Station, which will add another 40MW upon its commissioning in 2025. Additionally, KenGen’s innovative 42.5MW floating solar farm at Kamburu Dam signals new technical approaches to optimizing renewable assets.

Miale Solar is spearheading transformative solar farm initiatives across Kenya, directly impacting critical sectors such as water access, healthcare, agribusiness, and residential development. At the Naivasha Water & Sanitation Company, Miale installed a 1.23 MWp Grid-Tie Solar PV solar farm, which powers Naivasha’s water and sanitation services and is financed through a 12-year Power Purchase Agreement (PPA).

Other farms Miale developed include a 402 kWp Grid-Tie Solar PV System generating 619,929 kWh yearly for Home Kena quarry in Kajiado County. Meanwhile, Van Den Berg Roses and Shalimar Flowers, major horticultural exporters, now enjoy improved energy efficiency and carbon footprint reductions, thanks to customized solar installations tailored to the demanding energy needs of flower farming and cooling systems. These projects are financed through flexible options like lease-to-own agreements and long-term PPAs, reinforcing Miale’s commitment to scalable, green energy access.

Case studies at Miale Solar have made it even possible to identify the drivers behind Kenya’s solar. They include increasing electricity demand, rising grid costs, and the need for decentralized energy solutions that can reach rural and peri-urban communities. With over 75% of Kenya’s landmass enjoying an average of 4-6 peak sun hours per day, there is no doubt that solar remains a realistic choice.

Solar Growth in a Continental Context

Africa’s embrace of solar technology is gaining momentum, although at a slower pace compared to global counterparts. In 2024, the continent added 2.5 gigawatts (GW) of solar capacity, bringing total installations to 19.2GW. According to current projections, Africa could double its capacity by adding an extra 23GW by 2028.

However, scaling solar across Africa faces persistent structural challenges. The capital cost of solar projects in Africa remains three to seven times higher than in mature energy markets. Although clean energy investment across Africa doubled to $40 billion in 2024, the continent still attracted just 3% of global energy investment flows.

This financing gap stems largely from perceptions of higher political and currency risks, limited project bankability, and underdeveloped domestic capital markets. Consequently, although Africa boasts 60% of the world’s best solar resources, it accounts for less than 1% of installed global solar capacity.

If this imbalance persists, Africa risks missing an opportunity to advance to a decentralized, low-carbon energy future. This kind of future is increasingly essential for both climate resilience and economic competitiveness.

Strategic Imperatives for Kenya and African Markets

For Kenya’s leading solar developers like Miale Solar, the focus remains on delivering projects that not only meet growing energy demands but do so affordably, reliably, and sustainably. Miale’s experience shows that Kenyan commercial and industrial customers (C&I) customers tend to focus on hybrid solutions, which includes integrating solar with storage and mini-grid infrastructure, to support both grid-tied and off-grid clientele.

For policymakers, investors, and corporate leaders, the implications are clear. The opportunity for solar development in the continent, specifically in high-irradiance markets like Kenya, is both economically and strategically compelling.

First, according to Adwong’a, solar energy offers the potential for energy security and price stability. Kenya’s overreliance on hydropower and geothermal exposes it to hydrological risks and geological limitations, respectively. Solar farms, on the other hand, says Adwong’a, provide a scalable and modular alternative capable of being rapidly deployed to meet surging demand in urban and rural areas alike.

Second, as highlighted by DNS Africa, solar investments align closely with corporate ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) priorities. International investors, especially those headquartered in Europe and North America, are increasingly directing capital toward renewable energy projects in alignment with their net-zero commitments.

Third, from a national economic perspective, local solar development drives job creation, particularly in engineering, construction, and maintenance. The International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) estimates that the renewable energy sector could create more than 2 million jobs in Africa by 2030 if current trends accelerate.

Policy and Investment Instruments

According to Adwong’a, several policy interventions could accelerate the growth of solar farms in Kenya and the broader African market. These include regulatory streamlining to shorten permitting and interconnection timelines. According to a research by Ember, other measures for acceleration include financial de-risking tools such as loan guarantees and blended finance mechanisms, and support for local manufacturing of solar panels and components to reduce import reliance and stimulate domestic industries. A growing body of research collated by African Development Bank (AfDB), has also emphasized capacity-building programs to develop local expertise in solar engineering and project management.

International development institutions and green finance initiatives, including Africa50, the AfDB, and the World Bank’s Scaling Solar Program, have already started implementing such measures, but scaling these efforts will be critical.

Therefore…

Solar farms are no longer a speculative vision for Africa, as case studies from Miale Solar shows they are becoming the foundation for the continent’s clean energy future. In Kenya, significant progress is being made yet the journey is far from complete. With the right blend of policy support, private-sector investment, and community engagement, solar energy could not only meet Africa’s rising energy demands but position the continent as a leader in sustainable development. As the global energy landscape shifts, Kenya and Africa have an extraordinary opportunity. They can power their future not with imported fuels, but with the abundant sun above them. At Miale Solar, we are proud to be part of that future by developing solar solutions for C&I clientele content-wide.

Businesses worldwide have, for decades, struggled with rising energy costs, over-reliance on fossil fuels, and fluctuating electricity prices. In Kenya, where industries consume nearly half of the nation’s electricity, the unpredictability of grid tariffs and the volatility of global oil markets have pushed many companies to seek alternatives.

Solar energy is no longer just an environmental choice, it has become an economic necessity. As firms embrace sustainability without compromising profitability, solar power is emerging as the most viable solution. With businesses under increasing pressure to lower operational costs and reduce their carbon footprints, the transition to solar is both strategic and inevitable.

In the Kenyan context, evidence suggests compelling economic case for solar adoption, why progressive companies are leading the charge, and how this shift is shaping sustainability and long-term resilience.

Cutting Energy Costs with Solar

Kenya’s industrial sector is heavily energy-dependent, with commercial electricity rates increasing by approximately 58 per cent, from Ksh15.8 per kWh in January 2021 to Ksh25.1 per kWh in 2024. With electricity access rate of roughly 40%, energy costs in many African countries have surged by 40% over the last decade, forcing businesses to rethink their energy strategies. The impact has been severe, with high electricity bills eating into profits and limiting expansion. This is where solar power comes in.

Worldwide, reports have indicated that commercial buildings installing on-site solar photovoltaic (PV) systems can save from 25 to 35% in electricity bills. In the manufacturing sector for instance, a factory that operates solar panels during peak daylight hours can significantly reduce its reliance on grid power, cutting costs and improving productivity.

Moreover, unlike fossil fuels, solar energy has zero fuel costs and requires minimal maintenance. Once installed, a solar system provides decades of free electricity, making it a long-term financial win. Even businesses that cannot afford the high upfront costs can benefit from Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs) and leasing models, allowing them to access solar energy without significant capital investment.

Reducing Carbon Footprints

Kenya’s total CO2 emissions stand at 17.6 million metric tons annually. Over the past decade, Kenya’s CO2 emissions have increased from 7.82 million tonnes to 16.15 million tonnes, with businesses contributing significantly due to their reliance on fossil fuels. But beyond environmental concerns, carbon-heavy industries now face increased regulatory risks, as governments worldwide impose stricter emission caps.

Switching to solar is one of the most effective ways for companies to reduce their carbon footprint. A review by Grid Alternatives shows that A 1 MW solar plant prevents 31,500 tons of harmful CO2 emissions, equal to planting more than 741,100 trees or taking away 5,581 cars from the road for a whole year. The International Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) also estimates that compared to coal-generated electricity, solar energy generates around 20 times fewer lifecycle emissions. A commercial rooftop solar system can cut emissions by 40% to 70%, depending on usage patterns and grid dependence. A typical rooftop solar system may offset about 200,000 pounds of CO2 equivalent emissions over a 25-year period.

Kenya already sources up to 90% of its electricity from renewables like hydro and geothermal, positioning it ahead of most nations. However, commercial and industrial (C&I) businesses lag behind in adopting on-site renewable energy solutions. Companies investing in solar not only reduce operational costs but also shield themselves from future carbon taxes while aligning with Kenya’s ambitious goal of achieving a fully green grid by 2030.

Rationale to Embrace Solar

Major corporations globally are recognizing that their long-term success depends on energy independence. In fact, over 18 of the top 25 Fortune 500 companies have committed to transitioning to 100% renewable energy. The key drivers behind this shift include the ideas that Kenya’s national grid is prone to power outages, tariff hikes, and voltage fluctuations, disrupting business operations and causing financial losses. Installing on-site solar systems provides stability and ensures a consistent power supply during peak hours.

Besides, today’s consumers are more environmentally conscious, preferring brands that align with sustainable practices. Companies that switch to solar not only reduce operational costs but also enhance brand reputation and attract eco-conscious investors.

The Kenyan government and global financial institutions are also pushing for clean energy adoption through initiatives such as zero-rated import duties on solar equipment, tax incentives, and green financing programs. These incentives make solar adoption more financially attractive for businesses.

Commercial properties with solar installations command higher market value, making them more attractive to investors and buyers. Studies show that businesses powered by renewable energy experience stronger financial stability in the long run. Despite the overwhelming benefits, businesses face some challenges in transitioning to solar.

However, innovative solutions have emerged to address these barriers. While the price of solar technology has dropped by over 90% in the last decade, the initial capital investment remains a hurdle for some businesses. In many nations, solar energy has become the most affordable source of electricity over the past forty years. Miale Solar suggests that flexible financing models such as leasing, PPAs, and green loans can help resolve this barrier, as they allow businesses to go solar with little or no upfront investment.

The issue of energy storage limitations has also been widely cited. Solar power generation depends on sunlight, making energy storage a challenge. According to Miale Solar, advanced lithium-ion batteries and flow battery technologies offer viable solutions, as they store solar energy for use at night or during cloudy periods.

In addition, some businesses lack the technical know-how to manage and maintain solar installations. Partnering with experienced solar providers ensures smooth installation, regular maintenance, and real-time monitoring solutions help solve this issue.

Businesses Thriving on Solar in Kenya

Several companies in Kenya have already embraced solar and are witnessing transformative benefits. Prominent case studies include Miale Solar’s clean cooking initiative, which uses solar-powered pressure cookers to cut fuel costs by over 50% while significantly reducing emissions. For instance, a 1.23 MW solar plant in Naivasha, powering water and sanitation services, leading to reduced operational costs and grid dependency. Also, East Africa Spectre’s 93 kWp solar installation, which has slashed energy costs and enhanced sustainability for one of Africa’s largest gas cylinder manufacturers. These case studies prove that solar is no longer a farfetched concept; it is a relevant solution transforming Kenya’s energy landscape.

The Future of Solar for Businesses

Companies delaying solar adoption risk falling behind in an increasingly green-focused economy. The shift to solar is not a question of if, but when. Businesses that act now will benefit from long-term cost savings, regulatory compliance, and enhanced corporate reputation.

Kenya, with its abundant sunshine, supportive policies, and a growing clean energy sector, is well-positioned to lead Africa in commercial solar adoption. The businesses that embrace this transition will not only slash operational costs but also contribute to a cleaner and more sustainable future.

Breaking free from fossil fuels is no longer an idealistic goal; it is a financial necessity. Solar power is the key to corporate sustainability, energy independence, and long-term financial stability. By switching to solar today, Kenyan businesses are not just cutting costs—they are securing their future.

In kitchens across the world, an invisible crisis continues to claim lives, degrade the environment, and stifle economic growth. Over 2.3 billion people — nearly one-third of the global population — still lack access to clean cooking solutions, relying on polluting fuels such as wood, charcoal, and kerosene. In at least 128 countries today, households and institutions still lack the resources and equipment necessary to consistently prepare meals using clean fuels. The consequences are devastating, from millions of deaths due to household air pollution to deforestation and climate change acceleration.

As governments in Africa push for sustainable development and climate action, clean cooking is emerging as a key priority that can bridge the gap between health, environmental protection, and economic empowerment. But with less than six years left to meet the UN’s Sustainable Development Goal 7 (SDG7) — universal access to clean energy — time is running out.

Under today’s policies, the number of people without access to clean cooking is set to decline from 2.3 billion today to 1.8 billion in 2030. Progress continues at a strong pace in Asia, but Africa could end the decade with the same number of people without clean cooking access as of today.

Traditional Cooking as a Public Health Crisis

The statistics on household air pollution are staggering. According to the International Energy Agency (IEA), a lack of clean cooking contributes to 3.7 million premature deaths annually, with women and children most at risk. In Africa alone, women and children account for 60% of early deaths related to smoke inhalation and indoor air pollution. This includes over 237,000 children under five, primarily from pneumonia caused by inhaling toxic fumes.

“Cooking should not be a death sentence,” says Stephen Adwong’a, Miale Solar’s chief executive. “Yet millions of women and children continue to inhale lethal smoke every day, leading to chronic respiratory diseases, lung cancer, heart disease, and strokes.” Miale Solar, an emerging leader in clean cooking solutions, piloted a standalone clean cooking innovation at Kenswed Organization in Ngong, Kajiado, which operates vocational training centers, hospitals, and schools. The project demonstrated significant reductions in cooking time and fuel costs for large-scale cooking, providing a model for expansion beyond schools into hospitals – and even households.

The impact of traditional cooking on women and children is particularly severe. Women, who often bear the responsibility of cooking, inhale harmful smoke daily, while children suffer long-term developmental effects. Recent studies show that exposure to household air pollution increases the risk of stillbirths, low birth weight, and impaired cognitive development in children.  

Exposure to indoor air pollution increased the risk of small for gestational age by 23.7% and low birth weight by 17.7%. Although the exact mechanisms by which smoking during pregnancy affects blood pressure are unknown, they may include inflammation and oxidative stress, which can compromise placental function and endothelial dysfunction.

The World Health Organization (WHO) voiced concerns regarding environmental smoke and urban air pollution during a symposium earlier in 2005 at ISEE 2005 in Johannesburg.  The results showed that several combustion pollutants, including carbon monoxide and tiny particles, are linked to poor pregnancy outcomes, including stillbirth and low birth weight.  

Two decades later, not much has changed. Despite growing evidence of the dangers, investment in clean cooking remains disproportionately low. Many governments and donors prioritize broader energy access initiatives while neglecting the pressing need for clean cooking solutions.

Despite this, Adwong’a laments that investment in clean cooking remains shockingly low, often sidelined in favor of broader energy access programs. Indeed, experts warn that failing to prioritize clean cooking solutions will result in continued loss of life and escalating healthcare costs.

The Environmental Burden of Traditional Cooking Methods

Beyond the severe health risks, traditional cooking methods are among the largest contributors to deforestation and climate change. The widespread use of wood and charcoal for cooking fuels the destruction of forests at an alarming rate, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa and South Asia, where biomass is the primary energy source for millions of households.

With a 20% wood-to-charcoal conversion rate, conventional earth and pit kilns are typically used to produce a large portion of the charcoal in tropical nations.  Less than 7% of tropical nations with the highest rates of deforestation are thought to be affected by the manufacturing of charcoal.  With proper post-harvest management, a sizable amount of the land used for charcoal production offers the potential for quick forest rebound. 

The majority of earth-based kilns produce charcoal in an oxygen-poor atmosphere, which leads to the generation of incomplete combustion products like methane.  Therefore, the synthesis and release of greenhouse gases like carbon dioxide (CO2) and methane (CH4) are two ways that the manufacture of charcoal contributes to global warming.

According to the Clean Cooking Alliance, up to 30% of global wood harvested is globally is used for cooking, leading to destructive emissions equivalent to 2% of global emissions. In heavily deforested areas such as Haiti, Madagascar, and parts of East Africa such as Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania, this dependence on wood fuels has led to catastrophic loss of tree cover, soil erosion, and declining agricultural productivity. The climate implications are equally alarming.

 Accordingly, traditional cooking contributes as much as 2% of global greenhouse gas emissions, largely from carbon dioxide, methane, and black carbon (soot). Black carbon, in particular, is a powerful short-lived climate pollutant that has a warming effect up to 1,500 times stronger than carbon dioxide per unit of mass.

“The irony is that the very communities most affected by climate change—through droughts, floods, and unpredictable weather—are also contributing to it through outdated cooking methods,” explains Adwong’a. “Clean cooking is not just a health intervention; it is a climate necessity.”

The link between deforestation, climate change, and clean cooking is undeniable. Without urgent action, the vicious cycle of forest loss, increased emissions, and worsening food insecurity will continue to escalate.

The Economic Burden of Traditional Cooking Methods

The financial impact of the clean cooking crisis is immense. The World Bank estimates that the economic cost of traditional cooking exceeds $2.4 trillion annually, accounting for adverse effects on health ($1.4 trillion), women from lost productivity ($0.8 trillion), and climate ($0.2 trillion).

For households, the burden is direct and immediate. Families that rely on charcoal and firewood often spend up to 30% of their income on fuel. In contrast, clean cooking technologies such as electric stoves, biogas, and LPG systems significantly reduce household expenses over time.

Moreover, the time spent gathering firewood—a task disproportionately assigned to women and girls—takes away from education, employment, and entrepreneurship opportunities. In some rural areas, women spend up to five hours per day collecting firewood, exposing themselves to risks such as violence, snake bites, and exhaustion.

“This is not just about cooking; it is about economic empowerment,” says Rebekah Shirley, the Deputy Director for Africa at World Resources Institute (WRI) Africa. “The expansion of clean cooking solutions may have a strong influence on rural employment, especially for women and youth. As compared to off-grid solar, the cook stove sector may have higher rural reach, as the sector requires a local and less-skilled workforce — including masons, metal workers, sales agents and distributors.”

Investing in clean cooking technologies not only improves public health and environmental sustainability but also unlocks new economic opportunities, from job creation in the renewable energy sector to increased school attendance for children who would otherwise be collecting fuel.

The Role of Governments and Climate Finance

Despite the overwhelming benefits, clean cooking remains critically underfunded. Currently, only 1% of global energy investments go toward clean cooking solutions.

However, there is growing momentum for change. Several African and Asian governments have begun integrating clean cooking into their Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) under the Paris Agreement, recognizing it as a key strategy for climate mitigation.

The World Bank’s Clean Cooking Fund, launched in 2019, has mobilized over $500 million to accelerate access to modern cooking solutions in high-burden countries. Similarly, initiatives such as the Africa Clean Cooking Energy Solutions Initiative (ACCES) are working to drive policy reforms and expand financing for clean cooking enterprises.

“The solutions exist,” says Dymphna van der Lans, CEO of the Clean Cooking Alliance (CCA). “We’ll have helped build an ecosystem where businesses and other organizations meet the needs of the market and its different segments.”

According to the CCA, what is needed now is stronger political will, increased investment, and large-scale implementation.

“While it seems like a straightforward problem, solving the issue of clean cooking requires a whole-systems approach. That’s why CCA’s convening power is critical in bringing together global partners,” says van der Lans.

Major international donors, including the Green Climate Fund (GCF), the Global Environment Facility (GEF), and the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), have begun channeling funds toward clean cooking as part of broader climate resilience programs.

Scaling Clean Cooking for a Sustainable Future

So, what needs to be done? According to Adwong’a, there’s a need for increase public and private investment.

“Governments and development banks must significantly scale up funding for clean cooking technologies, ensuring affordability and accessibility for low-income households,” he says.

Yet, this is not enough. Incentives for businesses investing in clean cooking infrastructure must be introduced. Adwong’a adds that clean cooking should be fully integrated into national energy policies, climate action plans, and SDG strategies. In which case, countries must set clear targets and accountability measures.

There is also a need for community engagement and innovation and research.  According to Miale Solar’s chief executive, investment in new cooking technologies, improved stove efficiency, and alternative fuels is crucial to making clean cooking solutions more efficient, affordable, and adaptable to different regions.

Therefore…

The transition to clean cooking is not just about energy access, it is about health, climate justice, economic development, and gender equality. It is about ensuring that no mother has to risk her life just to cook a meal, no child has to suffer from toxic smoke, and no forest has to be destroyed for firewood.

Miale Solar is convinced that clean cooking must be treated as an urgent global priority — because millions of lives depend on it.