seaa – The Sustainable Energy Access Association Kenya (SEAA-K)

Blogs

The Journey of Water

September 2, 2025 seaa No Comments

The Journey of Water—Kimengelia & Noolturesh Edition

From 21st to 23rd July 2025, WWF-Kenya and WWF-Tanzania led a three-day awareness walk tracing the lifeline of the Kimengelia and Noolturesh Rivers—beginning on the snow-capped peaks of Mount Kilimanjaro (Tanzania) and ending in the arid plains of Kajiado County (Kenya).

Covering approximately seven kilometers daily, participants followed the rivers’ natural course, observing striking changes along the way. In Tanzania, the waters were abundant, clean, and full of life. Yet, as the rivers crossed into Kenya, their flow slowed, their clarity diminished, and in many places, the streams disappeared entirely.

In Kisanjani village and surrounding communities, families now dig into the ground to access water—sharing these scarce points with livestock and wildlife. Some households trek long distances under intense heat for only a few liters to cook and drink, often sparking tensions and conflict over the limited resource.

The journey united conservationists, community leaders, students, and local residents from both countries in dialogue on urgent measures: protecting forests and wetlands, safeguarding riverbanks, preventing illegal water diversions, and promoting sustainable use.

The message was clear: water does not start at the tap—it begins in catchment areas. Protecting these sources is not just about conserving nature, but about safeguarding livelihoods, health, and peace for communities across borders.

Water is life. Protecting it is everyone’s responsibility.

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Youth Use Art to Spark Climate Justice at The Climate Stage Event.

July 21, 2025 seaa One Comment

By @jacky_nzisa

The Climate Stage: Where Art Meets Climate Justice

On 19th July 2025, SEAA-Kenya, in partnership with the Kenya Climate Change Working Group (KCCWG), ArtSpace, GreenFaith Kenya, and the Kenya Inter-University Environmental Students Association (KIUESA), convened a vibrant gathering of young, creative environmental enthusiasts. What began as a single event has now sparked the birth of a transformative movement The Climate Stage.

This inaugural event marked the formation of a unique consortium committed to using art in all its forms as a powerful tool for climate justice advocacy. From spoken word and music, to stage plays, paintings, and illustrations, the youth used their talents to articulate the urgent call for climate action. Their performances reflected not only creativity, but deep understanding and passion for the climate crisis and its solutions.

Through their voices, visuals, and verses, these young artists brought to life stories of climate hope and resilience, echoing the unspoken narratives of communities often left behind in climate conversations. Many expressed heartfelt gratitude to the organizers for providing a platform to amplify their voices and showcase their art as advocacy.

Jacky Nzisa — Justus Munyoki (Coordinator SEAA-K) Speaking at The Climate Stage Event.

Speaking during the event, the Coordinator of SEAA-Kenya urged the youth to remain bold and intentional in using their art for advocacy. He emphasized the importance of seizing every opportunity no matter how small as each step opens doors to larger platforms and greater impact. He also encouraged them to join the SEAA-Kenya membership, noting that active engagement in such networks is key to gaining recognition and contributing meaningfully to national climate action efforts.

In an era where climate injustices persist across the globe, The Climate Stage stands as a powerful reminder that creative expression can inspire change, raise awareness, and mobilize communities. As we move forward, the call remains clear, we must continue to educate, engage, and empower through art and other ways to protect our planet and secure a just, sustainable future for all.

News

15 NAKURU COUNTY WCCPCs CAPACITY BUILDING WORKSHOP ON CLEAN COOKING BY SEAA-KENYA

July 3, 2025 seaa One Comment

The sustainable Energy Access Association Kenya (SEAA-K) in partnership with the Department of Water, Environment, Energy, Climate Change, and Natural Resources of the Nakuru county government, conducted a two days capacity-building workshop on the 2-3rd/07/2025 in Nakuru county aimed at enhancing the integration of clean cooking solutions into ward-level climate action. The workshop that brought together representatives of the 15 Ward Climate Change Planning Committees (WCCPCs initially trained on developing and implementing climate change mitigation and adaptation plans tailored to the specific needs and challenges.

The training, themed “Clean Cooking for Climate Resilience,” focused on embedding clean cooking and renewable energy solutions into climate action plans under the Financing Locally-Led Climate Action (FLLoCA) program. It also served as a platform to reflect on the Participatory Climate Risk Assessment (PCRA) process, assess progress made, and evaluate the role of Ward Climate Change Planning Committees in strengthening community resilience.

Speaking during the workshop, Chief Officer for Environment and Climate Change, Mr. Kennedy Mungai, emphasized the importance of understanding the interlinkages between clean energy access, climate change mitigation, and sustainable energy development. He expressed optimism that the workshop would empower participants with the necessary knowledge to effectively champion clean energy initiatives within their wards.

“This workshop not only advances our County Energy Plan and County Integrated Development Plan (CIDP) objectives, but also reinforces partnerships between government, the private sector, and community stakeholders in addressing climate challenges,” said Mr. Mungai.

SEAA-Kenya officials, led by Justus Munyoki facilitated the sessions and reaffirmed their commitment to supporting county governments in the rollout of clean cooking technologies and climate-smart energy solutions. This initiative marks another step in Nakuru County’s ongoing efforts to promote climate-resilient development and increase access to affordable, clean energy at the grassroots level.

The training brought together members of Ward Climate Change Planning Committees from Shabaab, London, Flamingo,kiamaina , Rhonda, Dundori and kivumbini wards, officers from the County Climate Change Unit, sub-county energy and environment officers, as well as local energy and clean cooking entrepreneurs, various partners including Practical Action and power up Kenya .

News

The key role of grassroots voices in driving climate solutions

March 24, 2025 seaa 5 Comments

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Mr Justus Munyoki, Sustainable Energy Access Association coordinator, says several factors have historically derailed collaboration between CSOs and government in climate change efforts. They include fragmented goals and priorities, varying levels of expertise, lack of resources and competition for funding, political and institutional barriers, geographic and cultural differences, overemphasis on advocacy over action, a lack of effective communication and mistrust.

Mr Munyoki adds that transforming communities to be averse with climate change adaptation and resilience will require clearly stated roles and goals, where national and county governments’ role is to make policies to guide the players in climate action. Read the whole story

Blogs

Why Cooking with Electricity is Cheaper and Healthier Than You Think

March 11, 2025 seaa No Comments

By @jacky_nzisa

Did you know that cooking with electricity is more cost-effective than using LPG, firewood, or charcoal? The Kenyan government is working towards achieving universal access to clean cooking by 2030. According to the Kenya National Cooking Transition Strategy (KNCTS) 2024, 69% of the population still relies on biomass (firewood and charcoal) as their primary cooking and heating source, while 31% use LPG, 1% use electricity, and less than 1% use bioethanol.

Household air pollution remains a significant health hazard, causing over 26,000 deaths annually due to illnesses related to indoor smoke, as highlighted in the Household Air Pollution Strategy 2024. Furthermore, more than 80,000 social institutions—such as schools and hospitals—still depend on firewood as their primary cooking fuel.

Many urban households dedicate weekends to boiling cereals for use throughout the week. More often than not, this is done using charcoal. Let’s break down the costs:

A single measuring container of charcoal in urban areas costs between Ksh 120-160.
Most households require at least two containers for this task, totalling about Ksh 320.
This amount could purchase 12 units of electricity, enough to boil your week’s cereals and still leave some extra power for lighting or other household needs.
Using an electric pressure cooker makes this even cheaper. This kitchen gadget uses minimal electricity because it retains heat effectively—meaning once it reaches the required pressure, you can switch off the power, and it will continue cooking with the trapped heat.

Despite its benefits, the transition to clean cooking faces several challenges:

High Initial Cost – The upfront cost of purchasing an electric cooker or an induction stove discourages many households.
Cultural Beliefs – Some people believe that food cooked with charcoal has a better taste than food prepared using electricity.
Lack of Awareness – Many people are unaware of the long-term cost savings and health benefits of electric cooking.
To meet the 2030 target and reduce deaths from household pollution, Kenya must:

Subsidize Clean Cooking Technologies – The government should provide financial incentives, tax cuts, or subsidies on electric cooking appliances.
Public Awareness Campaigns – Communities need education on the economic and health benefits of clean cooking.
Improve Electricity Access and Affordability – Expanding power grid connectivity and ensuring affordable tariffs for domestic consumers will encourage more households to adopt electric cooking.
As I conclude I make this informative call to you my reader. Transitioning to clean cooking is not only a cost-saving move but also a critical step towards a healthier and more sustainable future. The time to make the switch is now