Kenya - Business creation project

Describe your project or startup in a few words

Create mobile units that turn waste into sustainable fuel for rural Kenyan communities, promoting clean energy and empowering locals.

01.01 Describe your project in more detail

I’m tackling fuel scarcity in Kenya's rural, arid, and semi-arid regions (ASALs). My project proposes a mobile unit that empowers locals to sustainably produce their own charcoal briquettes from biomass waste like agricultural residue and invasive plants. The project benefits include: using waste to combat unsustainable charcoal production methods, locals producing and potentially sell eco-friendly briquettes to boost their livelihoods and briquettes burn cleaner than traditional charcoal, reducing health risks from indoor air pollution.

01.02 What is the main problem you are trying to solve?

The project aims to address the lack of sustainable fuel sources in rural, arid and semi arid areas of Kenya by converting biomass waste into charcoal briquettes. This will empower locals to produce their own fuel in an eco-friendly way.

01.03 Tell us the major benefits and/or advantages of using the product/service that your project intends to provide (at least 3).

Sustainable Fuel Production: The unit will convert biomass waste into charcoal briquettes, providing a sustainable alternative to traditional charcoal production methods that contribute to deforestation. This promotes environmental sustainability. Local Empowerment: By bringing the mobile unit to villages in ASALs, the project empowers locals to produce their own fuel. This reduces dependence on external suppliers and creates income-generating opportunities within the communities. Reduced Costs and Improved Health: Charcoal briquettes are generally cheaper than traditional charcoal and burn more cleanly, leading to potential cost savings and improved health outcomes for users due to reduced smoke inhalation.

01.04 Please describe who exactly your project is aimed at serving. Who are the targeted beneficiaries?

Villages in rural, arid and semi arid regions of Kenya - These areas often lack access to affordable and sustainable fuel sources. Locals in these villages: The mobile unit will empower them to become self-sufficient in fuel production, potentially creating income opportunities.

01.05 When did you start working on your project?

2023-01-01

01.06 How many other partners are associated with your business venture?

3

01.07 Among the other partners, how many are female?

1

01.08 Please describe the profile of each of the other partners (skills, experience, etc.)

Benson Kimingiri: Software developer, problem-solving, attention to detail with over 10 years in tech industry, computer science degree, mobile app development, web applications, creating user-friendly software John Michael Karanja is a passionate professional with a diverse background in freelance writing, tutoring, and data analysis. He began his career as a freelance writer and tutor, where he honed his research, communication, and critical thinking skills. This strong foundation proved invaluable as he transitioned into the field of data analysis, where he now leverages his analytical abilities to extract meaningful insights from complex datasets. John's experience allows him to effectively bridge the gap between data and decision-making, making him a valuable asset to any team. Rachael Mwangi, co-founder of Tech for Inclusion Africa, is a digital literacy graduate and SDG advocate. She focuses on green digital skills, technology for social good, and community engagement to train

01.09 If you have a website, a social media page (Facebook, Instagram, Linkedin…), or app, please provide the link here:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/njogu-grace/

01.10 Which industry best describes your project?

a) Energy (equipment, services, sustainable energy and fuel)

02.01.01 My project contributes to the No poverty goal

6

02.01.02 No poverty - Justification

The project create income opportunities, the mobile charcoal briquette production unit will empower locals in rural areas to produce their own fuel, potentially saving them money and creating a source of income if they sell the briquettes to others. Affordable fuel is a basic need for many households, and my project provides a sustainable way to meet that need.

02.02.01 My project contributes to the Zero hunger goal

6

02.02.02 Zero hunger - Justification

Sustainable fuel access will empower locals to cook food more efficiently, potentially leading to improved food security and reduced hunger.

02.03.01 My project contributes to the Good health and well-being goal

5

02.03.02 Good health and well-being - Justification

Traditional cooking methods using biomass often release harmful pollutants like smoke and particulate matter. Replacing firewood with charcoal briquettes could lead to less exposure to these pollutants, contributing to better health.

02.04.01 My project contributes to the Quality education goal

5

02.04.02 Quality education - Justification

Educating communities on the importance of sustainable waste management practices would strengthen the project's long-term impact.

02.05.01 My project contributes to the Gender equality goal

5

02.05.02 Gender equality - Justification

The project will prioritizes women's participation and provides training opportunities to them

02.06.01 My project contributes to the Clean water and sanitation goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.06.02 Clean water and sanitation - Justification

By providing a sustainable alternative to traditional charcoal production methods that rely on cutting down trees, the project will help conserve forests and protects water sources. Deforestation disrupts natural water cycles and can lead to soil erosion, which can pollute rivers and streams.

02.07.01 My project contributes to the Affordable and clean energy goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.07.02 Affordable and clean energy - Justification

The project offers a clean and efficient alternative to traditional charcoal production, which is a significant contributor to deforestation and greenhouse gas emissions in Kenya.

02.08.01 My project contributes to the Decent work and economic growth

5

02.08.02 Decent work and economic growth - Justification

The project creates employment opportunities and improves livelihoods in rural, arid and semi arid communities in Kenya

02.09.01 My project contributes to the Industry innovation and infrastructure

6

02.09.02 Industry innovation and infrastructure - Justification

The project promotes the creation of a mobile infrastructure that will be used in different villages, contributing to a more sustainable approach to fuel production.

02.10.01 My project contributes to the Reduced inequalities goal

5

02.10.02 Reduced inequalities - Justification

Increased access to clean and affordable fuel improve living standards and reduce the burden of energy costs on low-income households.

02.11.01 My project contributes to the Sustainable cities and communities goal

4

02.11.02 Sustainable cities and communities - Justification

02.12.01 My project contributes to the Responsible consumption and production goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.12.02 Responsible consumption and production - Justification

By providing a sustainable alternative for charcoal production, the project helps protect natural resources like trees

02.13.01 My project contributes to the Climate action goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.13.02 Climate action - Justification

By utilizing biomass waste, the project promotes renewable energy sources and reduces dependence on fossil fuels, contributing to cleaner air and climate change mitigation.

02.14.01 My project contributes to the Life below water goal

4

02.14.02 Life below water - Justification

4

02.15.01 My project contributes to the Life on land goal

4

02.15.02 Life on land - Justification

02.16.01 My project contributes to the Peace justice and strong institutions goal

4

02.16.02 Peace justice and strong institutions - Justification

02.17.01 My project contributes to the Partnerships for the goal

6

02.17.02 Partnerships for the goal - Justification

The project has potential partnership with public - private parnership, community partnership and knowledge sharing

05.01 There are a large number of customers who already use a product/service very similar to the product/service we envision creating.

3

05.02 The product/service we envision creating represents an entirely new type of product/service.

3

05.03 The product/service we envision creating could be described as a new technology.

3

05.04 The product/service we envision creating is an improvement on an existing product or service.

4

05.05 The product/service we envision creating could be described as an extension of a range of products or services.

3

05.06 The product/service we envision creating responds to a demand or need that has not been satisfied by other products/services.

2

05.07 The product/service we envision creating is a new version of an old product/service.

3

05.08 Justification

This project focuses on innovative aspects that differentiate it from existing options. The mobile Charcoal Briquette Production Unit brings the production process directly to the villages, eliminating the need for transportation of biomass waste or finished briquettes. Utilizing waste materials like agricultural residue and invasive plants, promotes a circular economy and reducing reliance on traditional charcoal production methods that contribute to deforestation. The Production unit is innovative in its application, it address a specific need for rural arid and semi arid areas in Kenya The project utilizes existing technology converting biomass waste into fuel, however there are innovative aspects in the mobile unit and its application in addressing specific needs The innovation seems to lie in the mobility aspect, making the production unit accessible to villages. It's a new and innovative solution that addresses specific needs

05.09 Who are your main potential competitors and what makes you stand out from them?

The project competitors include existing companies that manufacture briquettes using traditional methods or even newer technologies and companies offering solutions for converting biomass waste into usable products could be competitors. The project potential advantage lies in it focus on mobility, sustainability and community empowerment

10.06 Are you initiating actions within your community to promote the role of female entrepreneurs?

I conduct workshops specifically targeted towards women in my community. These workshops cover topics like business ideation, financial planning, marketing, pitching and fundraising. I also connect experienced female entrepreneurs with aspiring ones.