Our Story

Western Kenya is one of the most densely populated rural areas in the world. Communities around Kakamega Forest have co-existed with the forest for generations but increasing population density, poverty and poor forest governance have upset this balance.

 

The fast pace of climate change and post-Covid cost-of-living increases have increased challenges facing these communities, increasing pressure on forest resources.

 

Several grass-roots women-led community groups around the forest operate sustainable pottery businesses. Among their products are energy-efficient clay stove liners that burn 40% less wood than traditional 3-stone cooking fires. The liners reduce smoke emissions and the amount of firewood women need to collect/buy.

 

The main challenge for these groups is access to affordable capital to scale their  enterprises, to reach new markets or to diversify their businesses. ​The groups also struggle with access to training for new enterprises, best practices in accounting and business management and access to markets. 

​​

Kilns was started in 2013 in western Kenya by women to  foremost address the capital access challenge. Our projects enable and scale sustainable businesses through affordable micro-financing and low-cost entry models and by providing training, project management and support.​

 

Our goal is to empower and strengthen women-led sustainable enterprises and communities for lasting success.