Project Lead(s): Keneth Mitambo
Issue
In Kenya, waterborne diseases are the second biggest killer, after malaria.
The main cause is people drinking water directly from rivers and contaminated wells and, while bacteria from these water sources could be removed by boiling the water, most people are not doing this because of the extra fuel cost and the high cost of fuel.
Smoke from inefficient fires in poorly ventilated homes also makes indoor air pollution (IAP) the fourth biggest killer in the developing world.
Solution
The project team designed and fabricated a unique cook stove (the ECOS stove) with a dual purpose: providing boiling water while, at the same time, cooking food.
The stove contains two chambers, a cooking pot and an inner boiling pot. High temperatures emanating while cooking food also heat up the water in the boiling chamber, thus killing pathogens contained in water.
The water can then be used for domestic purposes, including drinking and hand washing.
This approach also saves on energy costs, as the cooking of food and boiling of water are done simultaneously.
A feasibility study was conducted to test the stove and quantify the environmental impact of the stove.
A market survey was also conducted and a distribution model developed that enabled a better environment for contracting partners for stove distribution.
The project was implemented in Mwingi, Kilifi, Kiambu and Nairobi areas of Kenya.
A fabrication facility and a secretariat were established, and 400 stoves were produced and released in the market.
Outcome
Four hundred households are currently using two models of ECOS stoves and 95% of these have reported a significant reduction in indoor pollution.
A survey showed 65% of households reported significant savings in fuel costs, since the ECOS stoves use 75% less fuel, compared to the traditional three-stone fire.
The project team was able to participate in five national events where the stove was showcased.
Studies of the impact of introducing the stove on rates of diarrhea are ongoing.
Knowledge about the project has been distributed in conferences.