NAIROBI, Kenya (PAMACC News) - Over 360,000 women are set to benefit from an energy enterprise subsidy in seven counties in Kenya.

The three year Energy and Advocacy for Gender in Kenya (AGEK) project by Practical Action targets women in Nairobi, Nakuru, Kisumu, Siaya, Nyeri, Murang’a and Kakamega counties.

Practical Action programme manager, Lydia Muchiri, says the project aims to empower women economically by linking them to the charcoal briquettes and cookstoves value chain.

“The plan is to support women in energy enterprises as a way of mainstreaming gender into the energy sector,” says Muchiri.

According to a study by the organization, women are excluded from energy projects, and are not equipped with appropriate technical training, as well as financing.

Yet, Kenya has committed to reach the 80 per cent target for energy generation through renewables, argues Muchiri.

However, she says, this can be achieved by tapping local energy sources such as charcoal briquette production and establishing energy generating mini grids.

“Women can be able to make decisions on energy access if they are empowered,” says Muchiri. “This can help them establish small business and raise their profile as future entrepreneurs.”

Practical Action project officer, Jacqueline Kimeu, says access to modern clean energy solutions can help women access credit lines to invest in micro enterprises.

This can also reduce pressure on Kenya’s forests where over 80 percent of Kenya’s households rely on energy for domestic use.

The project also aims to ensure that implementation of Kenya’s Sustainable Energy for All (SE4All) integrates gender objectives in the process.