MECS Invests $750K in Kenyan Clean Cooking Innovators

The Modern Energy Cooking Services (MECS) programme has committed $750,000 (KES 97 million) to support three Kenyan clean cooking innovators—Ecobora, PowerUp, and Sun-Power Box—in a strategic push to accelerate the country’s transition toward sustainable energy solutions. The funding is aimed at scaling locally developed electric cooking technologies across institutions, schools, and households.

This investment is designed to expand access to affordable electric cooking (e-cooking) solutions, reinforcing the role of homegrown innovation in addressing Africa’s pressing energy and climate challenges. The supported companies have already demonstrated viable, cost-effective technologies that are being deployed in real-world settings, showcasing both scalability and impact potential.

Industry leaders have emphasized the urgency of accelerating clean cooking adoption, noting its significance for health, environmental sustainability, and economic empowerment. With millions still dependent on biomass fuels such as wood and charcoal, the transition to cleaner alternatives remains a critical development priority across sub-Saharan Africa.

Despite its promise, early-stage clean cooking innovation continues to face financing gaps that limit scale and market penetration. MECS’ intervention seeks to de-risk these ventures by supporting research, testing, and validation, helping them attract additional investment and strengthen their long-term commercial viability.

Beyond direct funding, the initiative reflects a broader shift in clean energy financing models, where catalytic capital is used to unlock larger investment flows. As momentum builds across the sector, MECS is calling on investors, development partners, and governments to collaborate in scaling clean cooking solutions that improve lives while supporting climate and energy goals.