Dirty fuels thrive as investment in clean cooking falls short

A boda boda rider ferrying charcoal to Migori with passenger perched precariously on the cargo. (Caleb Kingwara, Standard)

Meagre investment is hindering countries’ ability to meet a global target to ensure universal access to clean, modern cooking fuel by 2030 and end the millions of deaths caused by indoor pollution every year, say clean energy experts.

Three billion people globally cook with dirty solid fuels such as charcoal and wood on open fires or traditional stoves that produce high levels of carbon monoxide, killing four million people annually, says the World Health Organisation.