From waste to resource

HomeBiogas enables farmers to turn animal manure into valuable biogas and fertilizer.

HomeBiogas began operations in Kenya in 2022, initially focusing on one small geographic area. Since then, it has expanded across the Central Kenya region, employed 70 people and installed more than 5,000 biodigesters.

The solution enables rural households to transition from firewood and charcoal to 100% clean cooking. MCFA will provide up to EUR 2 million in results-based finance to the company, with the aim of attracting more private investment. The farmer mixes manure and water and puts it in a sturdy rubber bag which is 7 metres long, 2 metres wide and 80 centimetres high. The waste decomposes naturally and releases biogas, which is captured by hoses that lead to the HomeBiogas stove. A nutrient-rich slurry comes out the other end of the system.

“Biogas offers a sustainable and dignified pathway for rural households to move away from unclean cooking solutions to clean cooking,” David Mungai, Country Head of Commerce for HomeBiogas Kenya explaines. “In addition, the technology provides organic fertilizer, supporting sustainable farming practices, improved soil health and food security.

“Working with MCFA has been highly impactful. Their all-round support has helped HomeBiogas not only expand our operations but also adopt more sustainable business practices through tailored training and capacity-building support.”

HomeBiogas aims to install 34,000 biogas systems in Western and Central Kenya by the end of 2028.

“The future looks very bright,” Mungai says. “We have barely scratched the surface in terms of reach and the potential to transition rural families to clean cooking. We are more excited than ever to ensure that as many households as possible adopt clean cooking through HomeBiogas innovations, supported by organisations like MCFA, by making biogas solutions more accessible and affordable.”

“We are delighted to see HomeBiogas playing a key role in making biogas more visible, accessible and affordable for rural households in Kenya. Their solution shows how waste-to-energy technologies can deliver clean cooking, better livelihoods and environmental benefits at scale,” says Aliona Fomenco, Senior Programme Manager at Nefco.

Simon, a small-scale farmer, invested KSh 49,000 in his HomeBiogas digester, which was installed in May 2025. The digester is fed with manure from his chickens and cows and provides enough biogas for the daily needs of six people, including cooking and boiling water for showering. The resulting slurry from the biodigester is used to fertilise his banana trees and cow pasture. On average, a Kenyan earns about KSh 78,000 per month, so a digester can be a significant investment. However, Simon previously spent KSh 7,000 per month on wood and LPG, so his investment should pay for itself in seven months, while the system should last 10-15 years.

For further information, please contact:

Aliona Fomenco, Senior Programme Manager, Nefco
aliona.fomenco@nefco.int, +358 10 6180 647

About HomeBiogas

HomeBiogas, a certified B Corp, is an innovative global company that produces small-scale biogas systems, making renewable energy accessible to households and commercial businesses. Its systems efficiently convert organic waste into clean cooking gas and liquid fertiliser, providing a sustainable solution for waste management and energy production. In Kenya, HomeBiogas offers a solution for small-scale farmers, providing affordable and easy-to-use biogas systems that convert organic waste into clean cooking gas and liquid fertiliser. By using HomeBiogas systems, small farmers can reduce their reliance on traditional fuels, cut their carbon footprint and improve soil quality with nutrient-rich biofertiliser produced as a byproduct. Read more on www.homebiogas.com

Biogas

Biogas is a renewable energy source produced by anaerobic digestion of organic materials. Agricultural residues, household waste, sewage sludge, wastewaters and industrial organic waste can be used as feedstock. As the waste decomposes, it releases primarily methane (CH4) and carbon dioxide (CO2). This can be burned as fuel or processed into biomethane, which is generally compatible with natural gas infrastructure.

Photo: Small-scale farmers in Kenya – Jason Mulikita for MCFA