For generations, families in Kuku Group Ranch have relied on firewood as their main source of cooking fuel. Today, this dependence is threatening the very forests, wildlife, and water sources that sustain life. To understand this challenge, we carried out participatory research that included household surveys, focus group discussions, and dialogues with women, youth, and […]

For many households, firewood is still the main cooking fuel, a reality that drives deforestation, affects women and youth, and puts pressure on biodiversity.

Over 80% of households depend on firewood, driving forest degradation and increasing the burden on women and children who spend hours collecting fuelwood. Yet, there is strong community awareness of clean energy options, with biomass briquettes, biogas, and solar identified as the most promising solutions.

Effective disaster risk governance must be local, grounded in communities and integrated into mainstream urban planning frameworks.

Preparedness works best when it is local, practical, and shared among neighbours. Disasters don’t just happen, they are planned into cities through poor governance and can be planned out through better choices. By understanding where risks concentrate and why, residents can take simple steps to safeguard their homes and hold institutions accountable.

Informal settlements make up a huge part of Kenya’s urban landscape, yet they are often left out of official plans and services. In Kiandutu, one of the largest settlements outside of Nairobi, fire outbreaks are a regular threat to safety and livelihoods.