Charcoal Briquette Demand in Kenya

Wood fuel, petroleum and electricity are three main sources of energy in Kenya. And now the charcoal briquettes made from the wastes such as sawdust, bagasse, coffee husks, wheat straws etc, have also become more and more important considering the pressure on the nation’s forestry resources and sustainable development.

1. Demand from urban and peri-urban households
Urban and peri-urban households account for a large section of Kenya’s demand for cooking and heating fuel and are very important target markets for charcoal briquette. Most urban and peri-urban consumers desire a smokeless fuel, and charcoal briquettes can meet this need.

Charcoal Briquettes

• Most urban and peri-urban consumers have the compatible cooking equipment for charcoal briquettes.
• The burn time of charcoal briquettes is higher than competing fuels,which can meet the need of cooking and heating. 
• The urban and peri-urban people have the awareness of protect the forests and environment, which will make them turn to the charcoal briquette. Furthermore, they have the money to buy the more expensive fuel.

2. Demand from rural households

• Demand from rural households is relatively low because the firewood can be collected for free in the surrounding areas or bought cheaply in the nearest areas. But, there also have potential demand for charcoal briquette. Collecting and storing firewood is inconvenient and people are willing to pay for the charcoal briquette.
• Some of the consumers feel safer if they want to cook indoors at night. Because the charcoal briquette will produce less smoke. 
• The advantages of charcoal are very attractive to the rural people, such as the long burning time, which will save their money to some extent.