Two Kenyan innovations have been shortlisted for the prestigious Earth shot Prize on climate change.
The prize, founded by Prince William, Prince of Wales, looks for key innovations worldwide that seek to end climate change.
Charlot Magayi’s Mukuru Clean Stoves innovation and Roam, an innovation by Sweden and Kenya, based in Nairobi, are among 15 nominees for the prize.
Mukuru Clean Stoves, originating from Mukuru slums, provides cleaner-burning stoves to women in Kenya to reduce unhealthy indoor pollution and provide a safer way to cook.
“Rather than burning dangerous solid fuels, they use processed biomass made from charcoal, wood and sugarcane,” Earthshot announced.
This, they said, burns cleaner, creating 90 per cent less pollution than an open fire and 70 per cent less than a traditional cookstove.
“They are cheaper too, costing just Sh100 ($10) and halving ongoing fuel costs,” they said.
Roam is an organisation in Kenya that builds lower-emission vehicles, making clean transportation accessible and affordable for urban cities on the African continent.
Because electricity is cheaper than petrol, Roam estimates drivers can cut running costs by 75 per cent.
“That incentive works for both people and the planet,” they said.
Both innovations have been nominated under the Clean Our Air category.
The entrepreneurs and innovators selected as this year’s Earthshot Prize Finalists will each be eligible for one of five Sh136 million (£1 million) awards, which will be presented at an awards ceremony in Boston on December 2.
Among the judges for the Prize include Prince William, Singer Shakira and actress Cate Blanchette.
