Antony Wanjohi: Giving you clean, affordable cooking solutions

Antony Wanjohi: Giving you clean, affordable cooking solutions

Briefly introduce yourself!

I am a social research scientist, sustainable development expert and a patent innovator (Portable Biogas Plant).

Tell us about your portable biogas programme

Anchored on Sustainable Development Goal 7 - access to affordable and sustainable clean cooking energy for all, KENPRO runs Kenpro Biogas Programme (KBP). The programme was initiated in 2021 following the rising cost of energy and the effects of climate change. The main objective of the programme is to provide clean cooking solutions to households in rural and peri-urban areas in Kenya. The programme is mainly concerned with household biogas plants, although by extension, it has a blend of institutional biogas plants targeting schools and farms.

How exactly did you come up with this innovation?

In my undergraduate, I studied BSc, majoring in Zoology, with Botany and Chemistry as allied subjects. In my final year, I specialised in Environmental Management. As a scholar, I further got more involved in Sustainable Development Research with a bias towards Renewable Energy and Climate Change. My focus started focusing on renewable energy solutions as I got involved more and more in renewable energy research undertakings from the year 2021. As a student of environment at undergraduate level, two decades later, I found where I could apply my studies: Solar and biogas renewable energy solutions! This marked the foundation of KBP and Kenpro Solar Programme (KSP).

Who are your target customers for this programme?

Kenpro Biogas Installation Programme primarily targets the rural and peri-urban households with access to livestock or organic waste.  We also focus on schools and institutions seeking sustainable energy solutions for cooking. Our other clients also include farmers looking for eco-friendly ways to manage animal waste and improve farm productivity.

How does the food waste end up becoming biogas?

Biogas is a renewable energy source produced through anaerobic digestion, where organic waste materials such as food scraps, animal manure, or agricultural residues are broken down by microorganisms in the absence of oxygen. The process occurs in a sealed digester, where bacteria decompose the waste and release a mixture of gases. Biogas typically consists of methane (CH₄) at 50–70 per cent, which provides its energy value, and carbon dioxide (CO₂) at 25–50 per cent. Additionally, it contains smaller amounts of water vapour (H₂O) at 5–10 per cent, hydrogen sulfide (H₂S) at 0–3 per cent and nitrogen (N₂) at 0–1 per cent.

What has been the impact of your project so far?

Since its initiation in 2021, Kenpro Biogas Programme has installed over 50 household and institutional fixed dome biogas plants in Kenya and DRC. While the programme concentrates on fixed dome biogas plants, there is a huge potential for portable biogas plants owing to low installation costs.

Thus, with Kenpro Portable Biogas Plant innovation, hundreds of households are expected to benefit in the near future if the innovation is funded for mass production of the units, which are installation and cost friendly as compared to fixed dome biogas plants.

Apparently, the KBP has proven to be a game-changer for many clients, offering significant economic, environmental, and social benefits. Most clients appreciate the cost savings achieved by reducing reliance on firewood, charcoal, and kerosene for cooking and heating.

Additionally, the use of biogas technology has improved sanitation in households, particularly for those utilising animal and organic waste efficiently. Many clients have noted improved health outcomes due to reduced indoor air pollution, which is a common issue with traditional cooking methods. Furthermore, the programme has empowered rural households by enabling them to utilise byproducts, such as bio-slurry, as organic fertiliser, boosting agricultural productivity.

What is the cost of installing your biogas system in a typical household?

The cost ranges between Sh120,000 to Sh450,000 depending on the size of the plant. The cost is inclusive of labour, materials, and equipment.

However, a portable biogas plant is much cheaper, with the cost ranging from Sh50,000 to Sh90,000. Costs may vary depending on location, materials, and additional customisation requirements

What are your core challenges?

Despite its numerous benefits, clients have highlighted several challenges associated with the KBP. Initial installation costs remain a significant barrier for many households, especially in low-income rural areas, despite long-term savings.

Some clients have also reported difficulties in accessing skilled technicians for maintenance and repairs, leading to disruptions in biogas production.

Inadequate awareness and training on the proper use and management of biogas systems have resulted in underutilisation or inefficiencies for some users.

Additionally, households with limited access to sufficient organic waste find it challenging to sustain consistent biogas production, which affects its reliability. Addressing these challenges is essential to ensure the programme’s scalability and sustainability in meeting the energy needs of more clients.

Your parting shot!

Embracing renewable energy solutions guarantees our sustainable present and our future for generations to come.