A businessman from Kirinyaga county has been awarded a certificate by an Italian university after helping in the research of an environmental-friendly jiko.
Nice Rice Millers director Charles Njiru was given the certificate by Luigi Polonini, a student doing a research on a modern jiko that uses rice husks. “I am presenting a recognition certificate to Charles for allowing me to use my skills and develop a modern cooker that uses rice husks,” Luigi said.
Hesaid the award recognises Njiru's effort to recycle rice husks in the Mwea rice irrigation scheme which are an environmental hazard. Luigi said Nice Rice Millers has become a research and learning centre for many foreigners researching on various technology for environmental management in developing African countries. Nice Rice Millers management has helped farmers in Mwea to recycle the husks which will be a source of fuel.
“We came up with such cookers to show people that rice husk is an alternative source of fuel like firewood and gas,” Luigi said. Speaking to press in Mwea after receiving the award yesterday, Njiru said rice waste management has been a problem in Mwea in the past but will now be used as fuel.
He said he has also received other awards such as a government commendation on food and agriculture organisation from the United Nation world food day in 2012, Head of State commendation in line with Vision 2030.
The director said the new technology will conserve the environmental because many people will not use firewood thus reducing the felling of trees. He said the jiko does not cause pollution. Njiru said the jiko is available to farmers at Sh1,500.