Kwale County launches fuel efficient Jikos.

The County Government of Kwale has embarked on an innovative project that seeks to reduce the over use of firewood through energy saving Jikos.

The project dubbed Majiko project aims at ensuring all residents of the county get access to clean-cooking solutions.

The Ksh 4 million project was officially launched by Deputy Governor Fatuma Achani in Kinango Sub-County on Tuesday.

Addressing residents of Kinango town during the launch of the project, Ms Achani said the Majiko project that targets all the 20 wards in the county is also aimed at economically empowering women and the youths.

“This project is in line with the county government’s development agenda and we are targeting women and youth groups across the county,” Achani said.

The Majiko project is in line with the Sustainable Development Goals of ensuring affordable and clean energy, combating drastic effects of climate change and its impact, and also to conserve and restore the use of terrestrial ecosystems such as forests.

Already, 60 groups that will benefit from this project have been identified, whereby members will undergo a special training on the construction of the energy-saving jikos.

The energy-saving jikos known as “Rocket” jikos use less firewood and have a longer lifespan than other local jikos.

At this time when access to clean fuel and technologies is one of the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), Kwale County is initiating a program on energy saving Jikos which is a climate change adaptation project that targets at reducing deforestation. It is expected to help preserve the environment and increase access to cleaner energy services.