LPG (Liquefied Petroleum gas) #InclusiveEnergyKE

Providing clean and efficient energy for households in informal settlements in African cities remains a huge challenge. A challenge that is compounded by a heavy reliance on fossil fuels and biomass such as charcoal, which often results in unintended health consequences as a result of prolonged exposure. Alternative renewable energy solutions can, therefore, go a long way in supporting conservation efforts at the supply end. There are health benefits and also opportunities to promote economic productivity, gender equality, climate change mitigation, and disaster resilience.

Nairobi is faced with serious urban planning and management problems, and thousands of its residents live in informal settlements. It is estimated that 31.1% of kenya’s population is urban and nearly half of the entire population will be urban by the year 2025. Nairobi city ranks highest in urban population with 4.397 million. This population lives in informal settlements, or ‘slums’, which occupy just 12% of the city’s land area.

Almost everyone interacts with energy through various ways, which are key catalysts for achieving SDG 7. Energy use, access and adoption is not getting the required attention thus we are missing out on an opportunity. This is part of an inclusive energy stories series that reminds us of the gains, the challenges, and the opportunities in providing energy in the informal settlements in Nairobi, mapping changes in energy use and consumption in the past, present, and what this means for the future.

Partners:
African Center for Technology Studies (ACTS)
Hivos East Africa
Africa Research and Impact Network (ARIN)
Africa Sustainability Hub (ASH)