Kenya - Business creation project

Describe your project or startup in a few words

In my county, people often face power outages. I see a chance to solve these problems by turning organic waste into clean electricity using biogas technology. This will provide reliable energy and reduce pollution..

01.01 Describe your project in more detail

Bioriti Energy is dedicated to turning waste into power through biogas solutions. Our business focuses on harnessing the power of organic waste to generate clean electricity, contributing to the fight against climate change by reducing greenhouse gas emissions. With our sustainable energy approach, we aim to create a greener future while promoting efficient waste management practices. Power blackouts have become a norm in the Kiambu region and Kenya at large. Bioriti Energy addresses the pressing issue of energy insecurity in Kiambu, Kenya, and beyond. Many households, farms, and businesses struggle with unreliable electricity access. Our solution utilizes locally available organic and animal waste from homes & farms to generate clean and affordable electricity, simultaneously reducing waste pollution and mitigating climate change effects. Our customers include households, and agricultural farms seeking sustainable energy solutions and waste management alternatives.

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

In Kiambu, residents frequently endure power outages that disrupt daily life and hinder economic activities. These blackouts impact households creating a ripple effect of challenges across the community. For families, the lack of reliable electricity makes everyday tasks difficult. Cooking, cleaning, and even studying become harder, affecting the quality of life. Without power, food preservation is compromised, leading to wastage and financial strain. Children struggle to complete homework in the dark, which impacts their education. Health and safety are also at risk, as people often resort to unsafe alternatives like kerosene lamps and diesel generators, which pose health hazards and increase the risk of fires.

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

- Consistent Power: Bioriti Energy provides a dependable source of electricity, significantly reducing the frequency and impact of blackouts in Kiambu. This reliable power supply ensures that households can carry out daily activities without interruption. -Beneficial Byproducts: The anaerobic digestion process produces nutrient-rich digestate, which can be used as an organic fertilizer. This byproduct promotes sustainable agriculture, improves soil health, and reduces the need for chemical fertilizers, benefiting local farmers and the environment. -Cost Savings: Bioriti Energy helps households and businesses save on energy costs by providing a cost-effective alternative to expensive backup power solutions like diesel generators

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

Bioriti Energy’s project aims to empower small households and small-scale farms in Kiambu and beyond by providing reliable electricity and promoting sustainable farming practices. Small households in Kiambu will benefit from an uninterrupted electricity supply, ensuring they can cook, light their homes, and use electronic devices without disruption. Switching from costly alternatives like kerosene lamps or diesel generators to biogas-generated electricity will reduce energy expenses, allowing families to allocate savings towards other essential needs. By integrating biogas technology into their operations, small-scale farmers in Kiambu and surrounding areas adopt sustainable agricultural practices that benefit both their land and the environment. The digestate from biogas production serves as a natural fertilizer rich in nutrients, promoting soil health and enhancing crop yields without relying on chemical fertilizers.

01.05 When did you start working on your project?

2024-12-01

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

1

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.)

Martin brings a wealth of practical knowledge and experience to Bioriti Energy's initiative. With a background deeply rooted in agriculture, he possesses extensive expertise in crop cultivation, livestock management, and sustainable farming techniques. This hands-on experience is invaluable for understanding the specific needs and challenges faced by small-scale farmers in Kiambu and beyond. Trained at Miramar College and the Kenya YMCA College of Agriculture & Technology. In addition to his agricultural prowess, Martin has a solid foundation in microfinance. He has developed a keen understanding of financial management, lending practices, and economic empowerment strategies tailored to small businesses and farmers. This dual expertise allows Martin to not only integrate biogas technology effectively into farm operations but also to provide crucial financial insights and support to our community stakeholders.

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

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

4

02.01.02 No poverty - Justification

02.02.01 My project contributes to the Zero hunger goal

3

02.02.02 Zero hunger - Justification

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

2

02.03.02 Good health and well-being - Justification

02.04.01 My project contributes to the Quality education goal

1 - Strongly Disagree

02.04.02 Quality education - Justification

02.05.01 My project contributes to the Gender equality goal

3

02.05.02 Gender equality - Justification

02.06.01 My project contributes to the Clean water and sanitation goal

2

02.06.02 Clean water and sanitation - Justification

02.07.01 My project contributes to the Affordable and clean energy goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.07.02 Affordable and clean energy - Justification

Bioriti Energy directly contributes to SDG 7 by providing affordable and clean energy through biogas production. By converting organic waste into biogas, we offer a sustainable alternative to fossil fuels, thereby promoting access to reliable electricity while mitigating greenhouse gas emissions.

02.08.01 My project contributes to the Decent work and economic growth

3

02.08.02 Decent work and economic growth - Justification

02.09.01 My project contributes to the Industry innovation and infrastructure

7 - Strongly Agree

02.09.02 Industry innovation and infrastructure - Justification

Our project supports SDG 9 by promoting innovation in infrastructure through the adoption of biogas technology. By integrating advanced anaerobic digestion systems and biogas purification technologies, we enhance local infrastructure for energy production and waste management.

02.10.01 My project contributes to the Reduced inequalities goal

2

02.10.02 Reduced inequalities - Justification

02.11.01 My project contributes to the Sustainable cities and communities goal

3

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

02.13.01 My project contributes to the Climate action goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.13.02 Climate action - Justification

Addressing SDG 13, Bioriti Energy mitigates climate change impacts by reducing methane emissions from organic waste decomposition in landfills. Biogas production replaces fossil fuel combustion, contributing to greenhouse gas reduction efforts and enhancing climate resilience in the community.

02.14.01 My project contributes to the Life below water goal

1 - Strongly Disagree

02.14.02 Life below water - Justification

02.15.01 My project contributes to the Life on land goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.15.02 Life on land - Justification

Our project indirectly supports SDG 15 by improving soil health and biodiversity through the use of organic digestate as fertilizer. By promoting sustainable agriculture practices and reducing chemical inputs, we aim to restore degraded land and preserve ecosystems.

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

1 - Strongly Disagree

02.16.02 Peace justice and strong institutions - Justification

02.17.01 My project contributes to the Partnerships for the goal

2

02.17.02 Partnerships for the goal - Justification

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

1 - Strongly Disagree

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

5

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

5

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

7 - Strongly Agree

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

5

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

7 - Strongly Agree

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

7 - Strongly Agree

05.08 Justification

Biogas energy solutions in the specific context of our project are not widely adopted or accessible to the extent we envision, especially in terms of integrating waste management with energy production in Kiambu. Bioriti Energy's approach to utilizing biogas for electricity generation and organic fertilizer production is novel in our region, offering a comprehensive solution to energy needs and waste management. Biogas technology, though not new globally, is innovative in our local context and application. Our methods of integrating biogas production with local agricultural practices and community needs represent a technological advancement for our region. Bioriti Energy builds upon traditional waste management practices and energy solutions by providing a more sustainable, cost-effective, and environmentally friendly alternative through biogas production.

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

Bioriti Energy faces competition from traditional energy providers, other renewable energy companies, and local biogas projects. Traditional providers have established infrastructure but rely heavily on fossil fuels, leading to higher costs and environmental impacts. Renewable energy companies focus on sustainability but may not integrate waste management and agricultural benefits as comprehensively as we do. Local biogas projects have community ties but often lack scale and advanced technology. What sets Bioriti Energy apart is our holistic approach. We uniquely combine waste management, biogas production, and agricultural benefits. Our project is tailored to Kiambu’s specific needs, engaging closely with local farmers and businesses. We use advanced biogas technologies to enhance efficiency and sustainability. Additionally, our project reduces energy costs, creates jobs, and mitigates environmental impacts, including reduced greenhouse gas emissions.

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

Not at the moment since we are still in the creation stage but we intend to prioritize inclusive hiring practices within our operations, ensuring that women are represented in various roles, from technical positions to leadership roles. This not only promotes gender diversity within our organization but also sets an example for the broader community.