Nakuru residents have found a new source of energy in human waste. They have started replacing the traditional charcoal with briquettes made from human waste.
According to Ms Wanjiku, the new energy source saves on cost. She attests that you will take you to 3 hours before adding ‘makaa-dot-com’ (its local name) in your jiko.
“I prefer using the briquettes over normal charcoal as they have really helped me in my small business to save on cost and also keep time in preparing breakfast and lunch for my customers, who are mostly mechanics,” Ms Wanjiku who lives in Barut Estate in Nakuru West told Business Daily.
The product manufactured by several entrepreneurs including Nakuru Water and Sanitation Services Company (NAWASSCO) is safe for use. Despite fears that the product might smell, the briquettes do not smell and have no smoke. This makes them extremely better than charcoal.
Nakuru Water and Sanitation Services Company (NAWASSCO) carries out this business using its subsidiary, NAWASSCOAL. Other partners are Netherlands Development Organisation, Nakuru County, Vitens Evides International (VEI) and Umande Trust.
“The carbonisation stage is where the dried waste is heated in a kiln at temperatures of about 700 to 800 degrees Celsius. All harmful gases are then burnt off eliminating the bad smell,” explains Kevin Ochieng, the production Supervisor at NAWASSCOAL.