Charlot Magayi: Leading the Fight Against Household Air Pollution in Africa
From the humble beginnings of the Mukuru Kwa Njenga slums to the forefront of environmental innovation, a remarkable entrepreneur is making waves with her innovative solution to a pressing environmental and health issue. Charlot Magayi’s journey is nothing short of inspiring.
Born and raised in one of Nairobi’s most impoverished areas, Charlot experienced firsthand the harsh realities of poverty. She was orphaned at 10 and became a teenage mum at 16. Through the harsh challenges to provide for her daughter and herself, she dropped out of school and ventured into her very first business. Selling charcoal within her slum community.
Charlot Magayi
Witnessing the devastating effects of traditional cooking methods on the health of her family, the smoke and fumes produced by open fires and rudimentary stoves not only contributed to air pollution but also caused respiratory tract infections and other health problems.
It was during this particularly difficult time when Charlot’s daughter fell ill with a respiratory tract infection that she realized the root cause of their suffering – the traditional stoves used in their community. These stoves emitted harmful pollutants into the air, leading to a myriad of health issues for those exposed to them.
After a two year break from school, Charlot saved enough money to enroll in an adult school where she learned about the health hazards caused by charcoal and other harmful solid fuels. Determined to make a change, She set out to create a solution that would not only improve the health and well-being of women and children in her community but also reduce their impact on the environment. And thus, the Mukuru clean stove was born.
Charlot Magayi
Charlot Magayi mission is to make a difference in the lives of women and children in her community and inspire them to lead the fight against household air pollution in Africa. By empowering them to take charge of their health and well-being. In order to protect themselves and their children from the harmful effects of household air pollution.
Fueled by a passion for social impact and a desire to create a sustainable solution to a pressing issue, and through years of research and development, Charlot launched the Mukuru clean stove, a social enterprise that aims to provide affordable and sustainable cooking solutions to low-income households in Kenya. With a dedication to repurpose locally sourced waste metal to manufacture improved, efficient, and reliable cookstoves that are not only environmentally friendly but also affordable for low-income households. The Mukuru clean stove is a revolutionary cooking device that utilizes clean and efficient technology to reduce harmful emissions and improve air quality.
Mukuru Clean Stove
Since its inception in 2017, Mukuru clean stove has sold over 400,000 clean cookstoves in Kenya, transforming the lives of over 2,000,000 people and saving them over $50 million in fuel costs.
One of the key aspects of Mukuru clean stove business model is its partnership with local women business owners to distribute the clean stoves to the last mile. By empowering women entrepreneurs in underserved communities, they are not only creating economic opportunities but also ensuring that the stoves reach those who need them the most.
Mukuru Clean Stoves
The impact work is already being felt in communities across Kenya. Families who have switched to using the clean stoves have reported significant improvements in air quality, reduced fuel consumption, and savings on fuel costs.
In addition, the stoves are designed to be durable and long-lasting, making them a sustainable investment for households.
The company is also contributing to environmental conservation efforts in Kenya. This dual focus on social and environmental impact has earned Magayi recognition as a leader in the clean cooking sector.
Charlot’s story is a testament to the power of resilience and determination and through her company, she has not only provided a sustainable solution to a pressing environmental issue but has also created job opportunities for members of her community. By empowering others to become distributors and advocates for clean cooking.
Charlot is not only changing lives but also creating a ripple effect of positive change.
