In Kenya, a Briquette at a Time: A Local Solution to Deforestation and Energy Poverty

On the dusty streets of Njoro town in Nakuru County, what many see as worthless black powder, Dr Boniface Mutua sees as a solution--both for struggling families and Kenya's deforestation crisis.

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Each morning, the Laikipia University environmental science lecturer visits local charcoal vendors to collect scattered charcoal dust-waste that would otherwise blow away or pollute waterways.

Back at his modest 50-by-50foot workshop, this dust is transformed into clean-burning briquettes through his start-up, Eco-strides Solutions Limited.

The process is straightforward: charcoal dust is crushed into fine powder, mixed with binders like molasses or cassava starch, and pressed through an extruder.

After drying, the briquettes are ready to fuel cooking fires.

For many Kenyan families, cooking gas is too expensive, leaving charcoal as the primary fuel. Yet traditional charcoal production fuels deforestation, particularly in already fragile ecosystems. Dr Mutua's innovation offers a cleaner, more sustainable alternative-one that's both affordable and ecofriendly.

What began during the COVID-19 lockdown when Dr Mutua couldn't teach in person has grown into a small but impactful social enterprise serving over 100 customers. His briquettes are also popular with local poultry farmers who use them to heat brooding spaces, especially during colder months.