Why did Koko Networks shut down its operations in Kenya?

Koko Networks shut down because it failed to secure the necessary government authorization for carbon credits, which were essential for its business model to keep fuel prices low.

How many Kenyan households used Koko Networks' bioethanol fuel?

For over a decade, Koko Networks helped shift over 1.5 million Kenyan homes away from charcoal stoves to cleaner bioethanol fuel.

What are the alternatives for Kenyan households after Koko's closure?

Households that relied on Koko fuel must now choose between returning to smoky charcoal or finding money for more expensive liquefied petroleum gas.

Home / Business and Economy / Kenya's Green Cooking Dream Goes Cold

Kenya's Green Cooking Dream Goes Cold

6 Feb

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Summary

Over 3,000 Koko fuel points sit idle after abrupt shutdown.
Koko Networks enabled cleaner cooking for over 1.5 million Kenyan homes.
The company cited a lack of government authorization for carbon credits.

Koko Networks, a company that championed cleaner household energy in Kenya, has ceased operations, leaving thousands of its fuel supply points non-operational. For over a decade, Koko provided bioethanol fuel, enabling more than 1.5 million Kenyan homes to transition away from charcoal stoves. This initiative was once hailed as a significant stride in Africa's green transition.

The company's sudden closure on January 30, 2026, stems from an inability to obtain government authorization for carbon credits. These credits are vital for Koko's financial model, as they unlock international funding that keeps fuel prices affordable. Without these permits, Koko declared its business model financially unsustainable.