Siaya residents can now conserve the environment after Koko Network launched the Koko fuel in the region, on Tuesday.

Koko fuel uses Ethanol and is touted by the investor as the best alternative to wood, charcoal and LPG gas.

Siaya becomes the fourth county to use Koko fuel after Nairobi, Kisumu and Mombasa.

The Siaya County Integrated Development Plan (CIDP) 2018-2022 says 84.2 per cent of the rural population in Siaya use firewood as their main source of fuel.

The CIDP shows the number of Siaya residents who depend on charcoal as a source of fuel is the second-highest at 13.2 per cent.

Usage of LPG gas and paraffin stands at 1.1 per cent and 0.8 per cent. 

The report says the main cooking appliances in the county include traditional three-stoned fireplace at 71.4 per cent and ordinary jikos at 10.8 per cent. 

Improved modern cookstove usage stands at 14.5 per cent, gas cooker at 2 per cent, kerosene stove at 0.6 per cent and electric cooker at 0.07 per cent.

Koko agents need to instal ethanol ATMs inside their shops from where customers can refill their 2.5-litre canisters at an affordable price.

Once at home, the canister is fitted to a two-burner cooking ware.

“We are proud to announce our new network in Siaya. Previously, we have been focusing on big cities,” Koko Network chief executive officer Greg Murray said.

Murray said Koko fuel lowers the cost of cooking, increases the quality of cooking and protects the environment.

“There are no fumes, no smells, lower costs and a modern cooking experience that is safe,” he said.

He said the company has partnered with Vivo Energies to stock their product locally.

The launch of Koko comes at a time when the effects of climate change continue to be felt.