KOKO to utilise Smart ATMs for dispensing clean bio-ethanol fuel in Kenya

KOKO Networks announced the launch of KOKO Fuel, a clean, safe and affordable liquid ethanol cooking fuel solution, that is dispensed from “KOKOpoint” Smart Fuel ATMs located in 700 shops across the city.

The company also unveiled its new 2-burner KOKO Cooker, which retails for ksh 6,999, at the event attended by Dr. Eng. Joseph Njoroge, Principal Secretary in the Ministry of Energy.

Speaking at the launch, PS Njoroge commended KOKO for the launch of its Network, highlighting the important role such solutions play in supporting the Government of Kenya’s policy objective of 100% clean cooking fuel in Kenyan households, to transition away from polluting and harmful fuels such as charcoal and kerosene.

The PS commented: “KOKO Fuel is a fantastic alternative solution to charcoal and paraffin, which are unsafe and used extensively by Kenyans.  Traditional wood, charcoal and kerosene fuels are the leading cause of Indoor Air Pollution in Kenya, claiming more than 21,000 lives every year.  This translates to more than 400 every week, many of whom are children under the age of 5, and places a big strain on our health system.  At the same time, deforestation from unsustainable charcoal practices drive changes in our rainfall patterns, negatively impacting our agricultural yields.  By responsibly managing the transition from charcoal, we can improve our food security.”

“Solutions like KOKO Fuel will play a large role in addressing health and environmental issues; the Ministry of Energy remains very committed to working with the private sector to enable 100% access to Clean Cooking Fuel, and we are seeking to create a supportive policy environment that will enable solutions like KOKO Fuel to be delivered to customers as cheaply as possible.” PS Njoroge concluded.

KOKO’s Agent network extends across Greater Nairobi, from Thika to Kitengela, Kiserian to Limuru, and everywhere in-between, providing access to KOKOpoints within a short walk of their customer’s homes.

Speaking at the KOKO Fuel launch, KOKO’s Chief Customer Officer, Ms. Leila Ibrahim, commented: “KOKO’s technology now exists for clean heat and modern living.”

KOKO’s technology and approach delivers major cost efficiencies and removes the need for disposable plastic bottles, enabling KOKO Fuel to be accessed affordably by households suffering under increasing kerosene and charcoal prices.

KOKO Fuel is clean and delivers no harmful emissions, an important factor for Kenya, which, according to the Ministry of Health, suffers from nearly 400 deaths per week from the diseases caused by indoor air pollution from dirty cooking fuels.

Technology behind KOKO

Customers use smart canisters that dock with KOKOpoints, which then dispense fuel they have pre-purchased by topping up their KOKO accounts with M-PESA.

They then take their smart canister home to dock into their KOKO Cooker, a modern, high-power 2-burner ethanol stove that delivers affordable cooking energy, safely and conveniently.

KOKO Fuel is delivered in partnership with Vivo Energy Kenya – the company which owns and operates Shell-branded fuels distribution infrastructure in Kenya – ensuring the reliable supply of high-quality fuel, in line with international safety standards.