Why We Do It

Interconnectedness, ecology, poverty, equity.

Multi-directional education.

How will this project help?
In 40 years, Kenya’s forest cover has depleted from 11 to 1.5%. This is a direct result of a burgeoning population (about 35 million, 2008) using wood products as fuel. With increase in fossil fuel prices more people revert to “cheaper” wood-based fuels and/or burning toxic waste. 56% of Kenyans, surviving on less then 1USD/day, are uninformed on toxicity of burning synthetic waste. Tree felling, insufficient reforestation and inadequate supply of affordable alternative fuels, further compromise forests.
Beside the massive environmental degradation and habitat loss, there is also an increased number of youth and of women-headed households with scarce income generation opportunities and conflicts arising from scarce resources. About 51% of the residents of Nairobi live in the slums, 60% of this population is made up of people below 24 years (UN Habitat). Given the number of youth and the increasing need for them to support their own livelihoods, new income-generating activities are essential, especially when they contribute to other rapidly emerging problems – that of the depletion of Kenya’s forest resources.
However, efforts to enhance briquette use are slow due to inefficient production systems that fail to sustain markets.
In a timescale of 12 months, through the optimisation of the production, it will be possible to produce briquettes at competitive prices and low green gas emissions, offering an alternative to charcoal. At the same time it will become a new income generating activity for people in slums. Materials needed are available. The process is easy to teach and has a proven record in Kenya. It involves harvesting leaves and other organic waste materials that are compressed into briquettes, using a simple wooden pressing machine. The press itself is easy to construct and can be made by any competent carpenter.
The production systems of briquette could be enhanced through the optimisation of technology of briquette machines (such as press, shredders etc.) and stoves using designs already produced by the KU students in collaboration with TN and Jua Kali artisans in the past years, making them more affordable. Building on TN and KU past experience, the partnership with MDX will boost institutional linkages with informal sector of the Jua kali artisans in furthering technology towards environmental conservation. The linkages between the formal and informal sector will also foster socio-economic development through SMEs enhancement, jobs opportunities creation and promotion of interaction among artisans and university students.