Adoption Rates of Biogas Stoves among Urban Poor in Nairobi Slums: An Analytical Survey

Biogas stoves have been promoted as a sustainable alternative to traditional biomass fuels in rural areas of Kenya, but their adoption rates among urban poor remain underexplored. A mixed-methods approach combining quantitative surveys with qualitative interviews was employed to gather data from a representative sample of households in Nairobi slums. The survey revealed that only 15% of urban poor households use biogas stoves, primarily due to initial costs and lack of awareness about the health benefits compared to traditional cooking methods. While the majority of respondents expressed willingness to adopt biogas stoves, significant barriers such as financial constraints and limited information persist. Public health campaigns should be intensified to highlight the environmental and health advantages of biogas stoves, alongside subsidized financing options for households. Urban poverty, Biogas adoption, Nairobi slums, Household energy use