Kenya’s clean cooking sector faced disruption in early 2026 when KOKO Networks, the country’s leading bioethanol fuel provider, ceased operations after losing government approval to trade carbon credits that subsidized its fuel prices. This shutdown affected approximately 1.5 million households reliant on affordable, smokeless cooking fuel.

Stepping into this void, Moto Nzuri has launched a bioethanol refill automated teller machine (ATM) in Ongata Rongai. The service enables customers to purchase clean cooking fuel using M-Pesa payments, dispensing fuel in measured quantities seven days a week. While Moto Nzuri’s business model mirrors KOKO’s in offering a reusable branded canister and automated dispensing, it operates independently with an undisclosed ownership and financing structure.

Pricing and Service Model

Moto Nzuri prices its bioethanol at KES 130 per litre, with a 2-litre refill costing KES 260. This rate is competitive compared to kerosene, which retails around KES 193 per litre, and is also cheaper than equivalent charcoal amounts. However, it is higher than the subsidized prices KOKO customers previously paid, which included smaller "kadogo" top-ups as low as KES 35 to 50.

The current minimum purchase at Moto Nzuri is one litre, with no micro-refill options announced yet, a feature important for low-income households accustomed to small daily purchases.

Expanded Product Offering and Growth Strategy

Unlike traditional fuel kiosks, Moto Nzuri’s outlets function as neighborhood utility shops. Alongside bioethanol fuel, they stock household essentials such as hand sanitizer, detergent, Jik, surgical spirit, methylated spirit, fuel gel, and reusable sanitary pads. This diversified product range positions the ATM as a community hub rather than a single-product station.

The company operates one flagship location serving areas including Ongata Rongai, Kayole, Umoja, and Stimvak. Instead of a capital-heavy rollout, Moto Nzuri aims to expand through partnerships and a franchise model. It also supports social initiatives like a "girl child support" program tied to its sanitary pad sales.

Outlook

Moto Nzuri offers a promising local alternative for clean cooking fuel users displaced by KOKO’s exit, replicating key features like M-Pesa payments and branded fuel canisters. However, it remains to be seen if the company can scale to KOKO’s previous nationwide reach or replicate its carbon credit-based financing.

For now, Moto Nzuri serves as a functional, community-focused substitute in select neighborhoods, providing a vital service as Kenya’s clean cooking market adapts to new financial realities.