As you may already know from previous blogs, over the last few months Carbon Zero Kenya have been busy implementing the Umeme Women’s Improved Cookstove project in West Kisumu. The 19th June marked an important landmark in the project lifecycle; the grand opening of the Umeme Women’s Cookstove Enterprise. Wycliffe Odumo, our regional coordinator based in Kisumu, mentioned that there was a real sense of excitement and commitment among the women and local community which bodes well for the success of the project.
The opening day of the Umeme Women’s Jiko Enterprise
With all the infrastructure now in place and after a week long training session, the stove production phase has taken off rapidly with over 20 stoves being produced each day.
Fully assembled stoves undergoing a 5 day curing process before they are ready to be sold to the local community
Over the coming weeks more emphasis will be placed on sales and marketing, which will involve raising community awareness through demonstrations as well as broadcasting radio adverts in the local area.
The Official Stove enterprise Banner
Having visited the project first-hand earlier this year, it is remarkable to see how much progress has been made in such a short amount of time, which is all thanks to the hard work and dedication of our team in Kenya and the enthusiasm of the Umeme Women’s Group. Further updates will follow soon.