Increasing viability It is clearly shown in the cases studied that time and resources should be directed
to promoting the technology in areas where there are market potentials. The technology is most
appropriate where farmers have the necessary resources. Efforts need to be directed towards specific
higher potential and densely populated areas.
The private sector should be involved in all aspects of promotion and dissemination. There are obvious
logistical and personnel limitations both at government and development organisations' level in
establishing strategies for achieving successful dissemination.
To successfully promote biogas systems, there is need to counter the existing poor image created by the
failed technology. One way of achieving this is by promoting proven designs, and providing post-
installation support services.
Ways and means of reducing the capital cost of biogas plants need to be explored, operating costs need
to be reduced and the systems for operating and maintenance simplified. Opportunities for
disseminating the technology in other sectors, such as the large dairy farms, may provide alternative
market possibilities.
Small firms and individuals promoting and servicing biogas systems currently face problems accessing
credit. There is need to establish and encourage schemes that provide such firms and individuals with
credit or working capital and further assist them to operate their enterprises more efficiently.
Organisations promoting the technology should develop the capacity to advise potential users on other
available energy options.
Chapter Two
BACKGROUND
Kenya relies on imported petroleum to meet 75% of her commercial energy needs. This is a
significantly high level of dependence on an energy source the country has no control over, especially
its ever-fluctuating price. The implications and the constraints this situation imposes on national
development are many; sometimes having a negative effect on the economy.
Most of the rural households depend on woodfuel to meet their energy needs, yet the commodity is
increasingly becoming scarce. About 70% of the total energy consumed in Kenya is derived from wood.
Studies carried out by the Beijer Institute in the 1980s predicted an energy crisis in the country by the
year 2000. It was estimated that the supply shortfall would have reached 30 million tonnes.
Adaptations to woodfuel problems have, however, changed the scenario from woodfuel crisis to biomass
energy-related health problems.
It was in response to the impending energy crisis that the government, NGOs and donor agencies
initiated various interventions with the general objective of reducing pressure on wood resources.
During the same period, new and renewable sources of energy were explored. Projects were initiated in
many countries to develop, introduce or test the applicability of solar, wind and hydro power
technology.
Biogas technology had been introduced in Kenya in the mid 1950s by European farmers. By 1958, a
private company, Tunnel Technology Limited (TTL) was constructing biogas plants in different parts of
the country. It is estimated that by the early 1980s, TTL had installed about 150 plants.