Mukuru Clean Stoves, the clean energy startup that provides alternative energy sources to low-income earners in Kenya’s informal settlements, has won the second-annual Earth shot Prize, taking home £1 million (US$1.2 million).
Mukuru Clean Stoves, founded in 2017 by Charlot Magayi, uses processed biomass derived from charcoal, wood, and sugarcane. Mukuru Clean Stoves burns cleaner, producing 90% less pollution than an open fire and 70% less pollution than a traditional cook stove. They are also less expensive, selling for around $10, cutting users’ fuel costs in half.
The Earth shot Prize received over 1000 applications from around the world this year, with 15 finalists from ten countries chosen through a selection process supported by an expert advisory panel.
Mukuru Clean Stove company was praised for providing an alternative energy source with cleaner-burning stoves, thereby helping to reduce unhealthy indoor pollution and providing a safer way to cook in Africa, where 700 million people cook on open fires and cookstoves that emit toxic chemicals and lack safeguards.
“We have an opportunity to transform the lives of millions, with cheaper, safer and more sustainable cookstoves and fuels,” said Magayi. “It is a privilege to be recognized by the Earthshot Prize as we embark on the next step in our journey.”
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