This archive report was first published on 14 January 2020.
January 14, 2020
Safaricom has partnered with UK firm Circle Gas to launch a prepaid gas service for Kenyan households, marking a significant investment of $22 million (£17m).
The new service, M-Gas, aims to provide clean, affordable, and reliable cooking gas to millions of Kenyans, particularly those in low-income households. According to Safaricom's CEO, Michael Joseph, the partnership will empower millions of Kenyans with affordable access to clean cooking gas, an opportunity that has been previously underserved.
Each M-Gas setup will include a gas cylinder and a 2-burner gas cooker, provided to customers at no upfront cost. The gas cylinder comes with a smart meter, and payments will be made through M-PESA, with the gas automatically disconnecting when a customer has completely consumed the amount paid for.
Volker Schultz, Head of M-Gas, praised Safaricom's leadership in technology and customer service, stating, 'M-Gas is proud to be working with Safaricom on this pioneering effort to bring affordable, convenient, and clean cooking solutions to millions of low-income households in Kenya.'
Customers will have the flexibility of purchasing gas from as low as KES 1 through M-PESA, with the cost of providing three meals for a household coming at less than KES 70 per day. M-Gas is launching in the Mukuru kwa Njenga area around its first depot.
The World Health Organization has attributed respiratory infections as one of the world's leading causes of premature deaths, with household air pollution from fuels responsible for more than 15,000 early deaths in Kenya every year.
