Using Biogas Technology to Improve Sanitation and Mitigate Climate Change - Kenya

This activity is installing efficient and low cost biogas technology and creating awareness on the benefits of biogas technology as a way to mitigate climate change in Kenya.

Fast facts:

The pilot project was carried out in Ngong Nairobi. A digester was constructed from locally available materials for 15 homes at a cost of KES 100,000;
Currently, the biogas digester is servicing eight homes.

The problem

Urban areas in Kenya are growing in population. This has led to an increase in quantity of human waste that is produced. Waste collection and disposal systems are costly. If not dealt with properly, waste could affect the environment and water bodies within the vicinity of drainage system. Human waste can contaminate water, which poses health hazards to humans.

The solution

This activity will construct bio-digesters in urban slaughter houses, schools and prisons in Kenya to contain human waste. Biogas is made from the waste removal process. The digester is fed human waste and the waste is converted into methane that is then used as a fuel for cooking and lighting. Using Coltri gas compressors, biogas will be packaged in portable plastic containers and be distributed to customers directly from a central storage facility. Electricity generated from the biogas will be sold to the immediate neighbors of the schools and prisons. The cash earned will sustain the long term costs of maintaining an operating unit such as remuneration for the masons, water supply and maintenance of the gas distribution system and converters from gas energy to various forms of energy as required by the school.

Helping the planet

This activity has reduced the demand for charcoal (for cooking and lighting). Consequently, there has been a decline in smoke emissions in households. The project saves greenhouse gas emissions by reducing the unsustainable use of fuelwood, and by preventing the uncontrolled emissions of methane from sewage pits.

Helping people

A clean environment results in a happy community. Many individuals living within the areas served by the digester view this activity as a relief to their sanitation challenges.

Scaling Up

This project has the capability of being scaled up. Currently, they are lobbying for policy adoption to create a conducive environment for project growth. If scaled up, the project will create employment for many people in urban areas.