Analysis of Cooking Fuels and Cooking Energy Demand in Rural Households

Abstract

Approximately 92% of rural households in Kenya still rely on traditional biomass as their primary cooking fuel, which poses significant health risks, particularly for young children who are vulnerable to respiratory infections from smoke exposure. The government of Kenya, along with various non-governmental organizations, has been actively working to promote the adoption of cleaner cooking solutions, such as liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) and electricity, aiming to reduce reliance on biomass and improve public health and environmental outcomes. Despite increased electrification rates and population grow th, cooking practices in rural areas continue to depend heavily on biomass, notably firewood and charcoal. This study investigates the demand for cooking energy in rural households in Kenya, examining the energy consumption patterns of various fuels, including firewood, charcoal, LPG, and kerosene. Results show that biomass dominates the rural cooking landscape, leading to high levels of indoor air pollution and contributing to deforestation. Furthermore, the data highlights the benefits of transitioning to cleaner technologies, such as LPG and electric stoves, which offer significantly higher energy efficiency compared to traditional biomass fuels. With increased access to these alternatives, the study suggests that a shift towards cleaner fuels could improve health outcomes, reduce environmental impact, and create a pathway towards sustainable energy use for rural households. Targeted interventions are essential to accelerate this transition and promote sustainable energy practices.