Kenyan households are increasingly turning back to charcoal and firewood after a government plan to lower cooking gas prices stalled, raising fresh concerns over the country’s clean energy agenda.
Two years after the Kenya Kwanza administration pledged to make liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) affordable, the strategy now appears to be unraveling.
A proposed Sh2.5 billion deal with Saudi energy giant Saudi Aramco failed to materialise, derailing plans to expand LPG supply through cylinder distribution and stabilise prices.
At the same time, new levies on petroleum products have driven up the cost of cooking gas, placing it further out of reach for many households already struggling with the high cost of living.
A development levy of Sh5.40 per kilogram has particularly drawn criticism from consumer rights groups.
The Consumers Federation of Kenya (Cofek) and other stakeholders argue that the tax increase contradicts the government’s clean energy policy.
They say the move lacks public participation and raises questions about transparency in petroleum pricing.
Energy experts warn that the shift back to traditional fuels could reverse gains made in promoting clean cooking solutions.
Increased reliance on charcoal and firewood poses significant health risks due to indoor air pollution, while also accelerating environmental degradation through deforestation.
The developments threaten Kenya’s target of achieving universal access to clean cooking by 2028, a goal backed by William Ruto. Analysts note that without urgent policy adjustments, the country risks missing this milestone.
As pressure mounts, attention is now turning to how the government will address the rising costs and restore confidence in its clean energy commitments.