Embu Man Reaping Big Out Of Briqutte Charcoal

Innovator Atanasio Njue from Embu county reaps big after creating a briquette charcoal machine using ash and other raw materials.

This type of charcoal lasts long and helps to conserve the environment since it does not involve cutting or burning trees. His innovation has turned out to be a lucrative business venture and has enabled him to create employment for youths.

After the completion of his secondary education, Njue ventured into the Jua kali sector in Nairobi to make ends meet. When he visited his home in Embu and saw his mum cut trees for firewood and charcoal he came up with the idea of getting charcoal without cutting down trees.

"Whenever I visited my home area I noticed our compound was fast getting exposed as most of the indigenous trees had been felled for charcoal and other uses," Mr Njue recalls.  

The 38-year-old discovered a method of creating these machines using scrap metal and old motorbike parts. After many failed attempts trying to make the machine, he finally succeeded and started making the briquette charcoal in different shapes.

As charity begins at home, his family and neighbors from Kairungu village were impressed by the invention and they started purchasing the charcoal.

From the success of the first machine, Njue got the motivation to create two more machines. His business continued to flourish and his fame spread enabling him to employ youths from his village.

His clients are happy about this kind of charcoal that lasts more than 12 hours saying they are affordable compared to other methods of cooking.