Amani, peace. 

Imagine a scenario where your farm provides for your family and supplies your household with clean and affordable renewable energy sources—say goodbye to expensive kerosene usage and harmful smoke emissions from burning coal! This vision has come true for a handful of households in Kenya due to the innovative biogas technology they have embraced. 

Having affordable energy in rural homes in Africa is a necessity. Historically, most rural families have depended on wood biomass energy, harvesting trees and burning wood as fuel, and unfortunately has impacted their medical health. One benefit of biogas is its accessibility to homes in Kenya as they typically possess the necessary resources for biogas production, such as livestock, from cows and goats to sheep and camels. The manure from these animals is a powerhouse because it can be converted to power households. Families reduce or eventually eliminate their reliance on buying kerosene, charcoal, and natural gas by producing biogas in their backyard using local waste materials.  

When up and running, a biogas digester helps cut down on energy expenses, reduces air pollution, and promotes more affordable and sustainable living. Families can save money, support an environment, enjoy homes, and lead more self-reliant lives using biogas.

So, what is biogas? “Biogas is a gas produced from organic materials like animal waste and food scraps. It is created through a process called anaerobic digestion, where bacteria break down these materials in the absence of oxygen. This digestion produces a mixture of gases, primarily methane, and carbon dioxide, which can be used as a source of energy.”  The gas can be used for heating, cooking, or electricity. A byproduct called digestate is left behind and is a nutrient-rich packed fertilizer that serves as an eco-alternative to chemical fertilizers.

There are two types of biogas digesters: industrialized digesters, systems built to manage substantial amounts of organic waste, often measured in tons per day. They handle waste from sources, including solid waste, agricultural leftovers, and industrial residues. On the other hand, small-scale digesters are typically used by households or small farms for community-level applications.

They handle quantities of farm waste, such as food leftovers, manure, and plant matter. In rural communities, a small-scale digester is efficient because the materials are localized readily available organic waste, such as kitchen waste, animal manure, and crop residues.

Individuals who own livestock can take charge and manage a small-scale biogas digester with some training. This empowerment allows them to contribute to their household's energy needs and environmental sustainability.

The environment and human health are harmed by the heavy reliance on wood biomass. Eventhough most indigenous people plant trees to secure the supply of trees, the burning wood daily still leads to respiratory infections and other diseases. The best solution is a self-sustaining biogas digest that would cut carbon emissions and improve the well-being of rural folk. 

Biogas is a practical and cost-efficient solution that will undoubtedly improve the livelihoods of rural households in Kenya. It's worth the hype because it is versatile by providing both heating and electricity. More  Kenyan rural homes can be more environmentally friendly, healthier, and self-reliant. 

Shukrani - thank you.