This report is the output of the Kenya National eCooking Study (KNeCS) which analyses the status of electric cooking in Kenya with the view of supporting the development of the Kenya National eCooking Strategy aimed at accelerating the adoption of electricity as a cooking fuel. This study examines the state of household electrification and access to eCooking in Kenya based on primary and secondary collected between December 2022 and April 2023. The primary data is based on a household survey that sampled 2,432 households across Kenya, key informant interviews, and focus group discussions.

The findings also show that fuel and stove stacking is common in Kenyan households, with Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) stoves becoming significant as households use more stoves, and that wealthier households are more likely to own multiple stoves. Further, tastes and preferences in cooking are deeply rooted in cultural, economic, and social matrices, with a belief that traditionally cooked food tastes better, noted by 74.6% of households. Consequently, awareness campaigns and consumer education are pivotal in advancing the adoption of electric cooking.

The Kenyan eCooking appliance market is competitive and diverse, catering to various income levels and preferences. Electric cooking appliances in Kenya are imported from a range of countries, involving a complex supply chain and several stages from raw material extraction to end consumer. The appliances face challenges such as high upfront costs, fluctuating prices, rapid model changes, and quality concerns. There are potentials in local manufacturing like BURN Manufacturing’s ECOA product line and assembly capabilities for solar PV eCooking systems, but realization requires significant investments in infrastructure, human capital, and policy frameworks. Further, retailers and distributors have adapted business models to emerging markets, offering products through various channels, with brick-and-mortar outlets being most popular. Marketing includes traditional methods and innovative approaches, reaching large audiences across Kenya, and there are regional eCooking hubs fostering local development.