The Energy Department in Kilifi County is planning to formulate a policy guideline on the usage of renewable energy in the area.
According to Kilifi County Director of Energy Wildred Baya, the policy will assist in curbing deforestation and charcoal burning in the area.
“We are drafting this policy because most of our people use charcoal and firewood while cooking foods. The policy also seeks to protect locals from various smoke related diseases,” Baya noted.
He said Ganze and Magarini sub counties in Kilifi County are the most affected areas.
“The two sub counties have become arid areas due to massive cutting down of trees.
The usage of renewable energy for cooking will also tackle the issue of unemployment in the area.
“Once the policy is implemented it will assist the local community in embracing modern methods instead of traditional methods,” he explained.
On his part, World Wide Fund (WWF) officer in charge of climate change, Alex Kubasu said they have partnered with the county government to facilitate the formulation of the policy.
“We want to ensure that locals abolish traditional ways of cooking and instead embrace news methods,” Kubasu said
