Kenyan firm receives global recognition for ‘Cleantech’ success

BURN Manufacturing Kenya are the recipient of this year’s Ashden International Awards, the world’s leading green energy awards; for its role in helping improve the lives of women and girls in East Africa with its efficient modern charcoal-burning Jikokoa™ stove and employment opportunities.

“BURN must be commended not for just producing a great charcoal stove that saves women time and money, but also employing women in significant numbers, enabling them to increase their economic independence and improve their position in society, “ said the judging panel on BURN.

The company has created a technically advanced stove that halves fuel use compared to commonly used ceramic Jiko stoves, improving air quality in the home and reducing deforestation.

Low income households in Kenya that heavily depend on Wood fuel for cooking can through affordable payment schemes such as Micro Finance institutions and SACCOs access the Jikokoa^TM cook stoves .

“In the last 18 months Kenyan consumers have spent over US$1.7 million to purchase 60,000 life-saving Jikokoa^TM cook stoves. So far, we have helped consumers save over $7 million and 272, 00 tons of wood,” Said Peter Scott CEO at BURN.

Chief Product Officer at BURN Manufacturing Boston Nyer said: “BURN is honoured to be recognised by Ashden for our work in revolutionising the clean cook stoves sector in Kenya. This award will support local R&D for new products and allow us to work towards our goal of making 3 million cook stoves over the next 10 years.”

Now in their 15th year, the Ashden Awards celebrate pioneering businesses and organisations that are helping tackle climate change and transforming people’s lives.

The Awards were presented at a ceremony at the Royal Geographical Society in London on 11 June 2015.