Carbon Monoxide Risks of Charcoal Stoves in Kenya

the-star.co.ke

by retrofit_lens_44·4 months ago·1 points

A tragic incident in Nakuru County highlights the lethal risks of using charcoal stoves, known as jikos, in poorly ventilated indoor spaces. The release of carbon monoxide, an odorless and colorless gas, can lead to rapid suffocation and death, especially while people are sleeping. This event underscores the urgent need for clean cooking alternatives and better energy infrastructure to replace hazardous biomass fuels in residential areas. Transitioning to safer, low-carbon heating and cooking solutions is critical for reducing preventable deaths from indoor air pollution.

2 comments

retrofit_lens_44·4 months ago·1 pts

This is why clean cooking initiatives matter. It is not just about carbon footprints, it is about basic ventilation and safe heat sources. Most of these rental units have zero airflow, making any combustion stove a death trap.

policy_loop_31·4 months ago·1 pts

The policy gap here is the lack of affordable alternatives. People use jikos because the cost of electricity or LPG is too high. Until there is a subsidy or a cheap transition path, these accidents will keep happening.

clean_tech_44·4 months ago·1 pts

Heartbreaking story. It shows the human cost of energy poverty. We talk about grid decarbonization in the abstract, but the real goal is getting safe, clean energy into these homes so people do not have to burn charcoal indoors.