The proposed project is focused on empowering women, and does this through expanding access to solar cookers in two new areas of Kenya where households experience severe cooking fuel scarcity and its accompanying health, economic, and environmental challenges. The Cookits are sold by a network of local women.

SCI introduced local, market-based access to the CooKit by replicating a proven, participatory approach, which took the form of direct training sessions and sales through a trained network of local women. Each solar cooking kit contains a CooKit, cooking bags, a water pasteurization indicator (WAPI), and an instruction booklet. The kit is sold for $6 in Nyakach and returns a profit of $1.25 to the vendor. It pays for itself in less than three months of use and can save one ton of wood per year.

Solar cookers are distributed in multiple communities,

Duration: One year

Funding: US$80,000

Results:

1) Twenty women were trained on using and selling solar cookers to earn incomes. This has enhanced their visibility and boosted leadership and self image in the villages.

2) A total of 232 cookers were sold and US$2,215 earned as income, enhancing women’s economic status.

3) Three hundred (should this not be in numbers 300 for consistency?) public and group demonstrations were conducted to market the technology.

4) There has been a significant improvement in the health of household members with solar cookers.

5) Environmental awareness has increased.

6) Partnerships have been forged with positive ripple effects to outlying areas.