What is the Mukuru Clean Stoves Project?
Mukuru Clean Stoves (MCS) is all about turning everyday challenges into smart solutions. Using recycled metal, they craft improved cookstoves that are not just efficient but also low in emissions. On top of that, they transform agricultural waste into a unique mosquito repellent fuel. This dual approach tackles two of the deadliest threats in underserved communities: household air pollution and malaria. By teaming up with local women business owners, MCS ensures these life-changing products reach the last mile—those families at the base of the economic pyramid who need it most. It’s a blend of innovation, sustainability, and community empowerment rolled into one.
Main Benefits and Key Figures
The impact of Mukuru Clean Stoves is impressive, and the numbers tell a powerful story:
- 0+ households reached, bringing cleaner cooking solutions to many homes
- 0 million+ lives impacted by reduced exposure to harmful pollutants and malaria
- $0 increase in household income thanks to fuel savings and new opportunities
- 0 tonnes of CO2 avoided, contributing to climate change mitigation
- $0 million saved on fuel consumption, easing financial burdens
- 0+ green jobs created, empowering women and youth as artisans and sales agents
Innovative Products That Make a Difference
The heart of the project lies in two standout products. First, the Mukuru Clean Stoves themselves—high-efficiency, low-emission cookstoves designed to replace traditional open fires and inefficient stoves. They use smart insulation and fuel optimization to cut down fuel use and greenhouse gas emissions, all while protecting families from harmful household air pollution. Then there’s the Mukuru Briquette, a biofuel made from agricultural waste and infused with pyrethrin, a natural insecticide. This clever fuel not only cooks food cleanly but also repels mosquitoes, tackling malaria head-on. It’s a win-win for health and the environment.
Empowering Communities Through Local Partnerships
Mukuru Clean Stoves doesn’t just drop products into communities and walk away. Instead, they partner with local women business owners, turning them into agents of change. These women receive skills training and employment opportunities as artisans and marketers of the stoves. This approach supports women and youth empowerment, creating green jobs and fostering economic growth right where it’s needed most. Plus, by involving locals in distribution, the project ensures that clean energy solutions are accessible and trusted within the communities.
Commitment to Sustainability and Values
At its core, Mukuru Clean Stoves is driven by strong values that guide every step:
- Commitment to sustainability—ensuring long-term environmental and social benefits
- Leadership by example—setting standards in clean energy innovation
- Having customers at the center—focusing on real needs and feedback
- Passion for work—dedication to making a meaningful difference
These values aren’t just words on paper; they shape how the project operates and grows.
Project Impact and Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
- SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being – by reducing household air pollution and malaria risks
- SDG 5: Gender Equality – through women’s empowerment and employment
- SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy – providing reliable, clean cooking solutions
- SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth – creating green jobs and skills training
- SDG 13: Climate Action – cutting CO2 emissions and promoting sustainable fuel use
- SDG 15: Life on Land – addressing deforestation by reducing reliance on wood fuel
Looking Ahead: A Healthier, More Resilient Future
Mukuru Clean Stoves is more than just a project—it’s a movement toward healthier homes and stronger communities. By combining recycled materials, innovative biofuels, and local partnerships, it tackles some of the toughest challenges faced by underserved populations. The focus on sustainability, empowerment, and climate adaptation means the benefits will ripple out for generations. Families gain not only cleaner air and safer cooking but also new economic opportunities and a real chance at a better life. It’s a future worth cooking for.
