Ruto says Kenya needs KSh133 billion for universal clean cooking

Nearly one billion Africans continue to rely on traditional fuels, President William Ruto said. These practices pose serious risks to public health, education outcomes and the environment. The President made the remarks while addressing the scale of the challenge facing the region.

Kenya alone requires KSh133 billion to reach universal clean cooking access. Ruto positioned the target as part of broader continental efforts to shift away from harmful traditional methods. He stressed the importance of investment and collaboration to make meaningful progress.

The President noted that dependence on firewood, charcoal and other biomass fuels contributes to indoor air pollution and related health problems. It also drives deforestation and affects time available for education, particularly among women and children who often handle fuel collection.

Ruto called for accelerated investment in modern solutions such as liquefied petroleum gas, biogas, ethanol and improved cookstoves. Stronger public-private partnerships will be essential to scale these alternatives and make them affordable for households across Africa.

The statement aligns with ongoing discussions on sustainable energy access. Clean cooking initiatives have gained attention for their potential to reduce respiratory illnesses, improve gender equity in household labour and slow environmental degradation.

In Kenya, the government has previously outlined targets for transitioning households. The KSh133 billion figure reflects the estimated cost of achieving nationwide coverage through infrastructure, subsidies and awareness programmes.

Ruto urged African leaders and international partners to treat clean cooking as a priority within climate and development agendas. Coordinated action could help close the gap for the large population still without access.

The push comes amid global efforts to address energy poverty. Traditional fuels remain dominant in many rural and low-income urban areas, limiting broader socioeconomic gains.

Details on specific timelines or new funding commitments were not outlined in the address. Implementation will likely depend on domestic budgets, donor support and private sector involvement in technology distribution.