Kenya has emerged as the leading beneficiary of clean cooking investments in Africa, receiving 19% of the funds disbursed to projects across the continent in 2024. This development comes amid a significant push to expand access to cleaner cooking solutions in sub-Saharan Africa.
According to recent data from the International Energy Agency (IEA), nearly 12 million people gained access to clean cooking methods last year, marking a substantial increase from previous years. Despite this progress, rapid population growth has meant that the number of people without access to clean cooking still rose by about 14 million in 2024.
Key Drivers of Clean Cooking Adoption
- Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) remains the dominant fuel, responsible for over 70% of new clean cooking access.
- Electric cooking is the second most widespread option, with South Africa leading in adoption due to prior investments in electricity access.
- Improved biomass cookstoves continue to support transitional solutions, reaching around four million additional users annually over the last five years.
Investment and Funding Trends
Investment in clean cooking infrastructure and equipment in sub-Saharan Africa increased to $770 million (approximately Sh99.6 billion) in 2024, up from $590 million in 2020. Private capital and consumer spending now contribute about 70% of total sector funding.
Of the total investments, 60% were directed toward end-use equipment such as stoves and cylinders, with the remainder supporting infrastructure development. By May 2026, nearly $740 million of the $2.2 billion pledged at the 2024 Clean Cooking Summit had been allocated to projects in almost 30 African countries.
Regional Distribution
- Kenya: Largest recipient with 19% of disbursed funds.
- Uganda, Tanzania, South Africa: Each received about 7% of allocations.
The continued momentum in clean cooking investments highlights Africa’s accelerating transition toward sustainable energy solutions despite demographic challenges.
