Preface
This publication is a summary of the results of a survey commissioned by the Household Energy
Regional (HER) Project of Intermediate Technology - Kenya. The survey was carried out by Penroche
Development Services Limited (PDS) between September and December, 1995.
The aim of the book is to help development agencies and those involved in the promotion of biogas
systems to make informed decisions. It also gives an insight into the critical factors that influence the
adoption of biogas technology in Kenya. The survey covered the main biogas promoters in various parts
of Kenya. In addition, it examined the various types of biogas plants, implementation strategies, the
factors that affect levels of use and those necessary for successful dissemination and adoption of the
technology in Kenya.
By 1995 there were ten organisations actively engaged in the promotion and dissemination of biogas
technology in Kenya. Most of them are government or quasi-government agencies; private sector
involvement was limited. Key organisations in this sector at the time of the survey included:
Special Energy Programme (SEP) - Kenya; the Ministry of Energy and Regional Development (MOERD);
Christian Intermediate Technology Centre (CITC), Kapsabet; and Tunnel Technology Limited (TTL).
Promotion of biogas technology has been widely carried out in the humid and agriculturally rich areas
of the country notably the central highlands, western Kenya and parts of the Coast Province.
Opinions and interpretation in this booklet are based on the review of experiences and do not
necessarily represent the views of IT Kenya, Penroche Development Services or any other organisation
mentioned.