The Christian Intermediate Technology Centre (CITC)
CITC Kapsabet is a technical training centre established in 1989 by the Anglican Diocese of Eldoret
with help from the German Protestant Church. The centre offers a two year formal course in metal work
and has a production unit specialising in the manufacture of appropriate technology equipment.
Biogas activities under CITC began in 1990 when ten masons from the diocese were trained in the
construction of biogas plants with help from SEP and MOERD. At the same time, CITC trained its own
technicians to fabricate gas holders and biogas appliances. During the initial phase, plants were
constructed for those farmers who met the minimum requirements for successful operation of biogas
plants. These farmers paid 50% of the cost of the system and the balance was subsidised by the
United States Agency for International Development (USAID). About ten plants were built under this
arrangement. They were intended to be demonstration units to create awareness and interest among
other potential users.
The centre set up a biogas extension service solely responsible for all aspects of promotion, installation
and the provision of after-sales customer support. The promotional strategy included participation in
Agricultural Shows and distribution of biogas brochures through the extension service.
A manual for biogas users was developed to advise on operation, maintenance and troubleshooting of
the system. Occasionally, workshops are held for biogas users and potential users as well as women's
groups.
CITC initially promoted the Borda-sasse biogas plant but increase in the price of sheet metal led to a
significant escalation in the cost of the plant. The cost of the gas holder doubled between 1990 and
1993, leading CITC to consider alternatives. They conducted a cost analysis which revealed that it was
cheaper to build fixed dome plants. The centre now mainly promotes the fixed dome plants in
capacities of 10m3, 16m3 and 36m3. The Borda-sasse type is currently offered only to those who can
afford it.
The 10m3 Borda-sasse plant costs between US$ 700 and US$ 800. The CITC project covers the area
around Eldoret, Kapsabet, Nandi Hills, Kitale, Kakamega and parts of Nyanza. The project targets small
scale farmers practising zero-grazing and have at least three to five cows. By the time of the survey,
twenty six biogas plants had been built. The project is operated on a self-sustaining basis; the customer
bears the full cost of the system.
Kenya Woodfuel and Agroforestry Programme (KW AP)
KW AP activities in biogas promotion began in the second quarter of 1995. It is a local NGO promoting
conservation of wood fuel and agroforestry practices in various areas to help increase woodfuel
supplies.
KW AP works closely with the MOERD and MOLD to promote the use of biogas among farmers in
Kericho, Nyamira, Kisii and other areas in western Kenya. MOERD staff have been attached to KW AP
specifically for this purpose. KW AP has a station in Kericho from where its staff in collaboration with
MOERD and MOLD, organise field visits to areas such as Vihiga and Mumias for farmers to observe
biogas plants in operation.
Chapter Eight