Intro I

Back in the Stone Age when man discovered fire, there

were no such concerns as climatic change or a high cost
of living. Centuries later, it is now almost impossible
to light a fire without either or both of these factors
coming into play.
This week, we get to see two people who despite
unfavorable conditions and extremely limited resources,
are working to defy the odds and make it more convenient
to, well, light a fire.
This is Innovation Corner; my name is Purity Ndung’u.

Bumper

(V.O) Fredrick Omondi is a jua kali artisan who

specializes in the making of different types of charcoal,
biogas and solar stoves, popularly known as jikos.
Interview (00064, 00:12-00:39, 01:19-01:53)
(V.O) There is a wide variety of jikos that Fredrick
makes in his workshop. These range from the traditional
charcoal burning jikos to more modern versions which are
both cost efficient and more environmentally friendly.
Interview (00064, 02:02-03:03)
(V.O) The most widely consumed jiko is the conventional
clay stove. This is produced in different sizes, in order
to suit different customer needs.
Interview (00067, 00:02-01:28)
(V.O) Small-scale businesses, especially roadside vendors
of roasted or deep-fried foodstuffs will normally go for
the metal jikos, which are generally stronger and longer
lasting.
Interview (00067, 01:31-02:06)
(V.O) Another variety of jikos is one that is specially
made to utilize either charcoal or firewood.
Interview (00067, 02:30-03:28)
(V.O) Apart from this range of stoves, Fredrick has also
come up with a special jiko that is powered by solar. He,
however, could not divulge the process since he is yet to
patent his innovation.
Interview (00067, 04:43-04:51)
(V.O) He did, however, take us through the process of
making the ordinary jiko.
The process begins with a sheet of iron. Using a
standard, prior cutout, a pattern is drawn out on the
sheet. This provides the outline from which the outer,
metallic part of the stove will be made.
B-roll (00078, 00:01-00:52, 01:36-01:42)
(00079, 00:02-00:24, 00:42-01:01)
B-roll (00079, 01:02-01:28) (V.O) The two new cutouts
are hinged together at the joints created on the edges by
being hammered on the rail.
This creates a round sheet of iron, which will form the
upper part of the outer covering.
B-roll (00080, 01:26-02:25) (V.O) The process is then
repeated using a smaller cutout, which will form the
lower part of the outer covering.
This cutout is folded and a hole carved out at the
centre. This will eventually form the door used in
regulating ventilation of the stove.
B-roll (00080, 06:07-07:13) (V.O) Once the two round
sheets are ready, they are also merged at the joints to
come up with the now almost complete outer shell of the
stove.
B-roll (00083) (V.O) To complete the outer shell; a
circular sheet is used to cover the lower part of the
shell. Three stands are installed for supporting the
stove as it is in use. Two handles are also installed to
offer grip for portability of the jiko.
B-roll (00087, 00:22-01:44) (V.O) A ventilation door
is attached to the hole that was earlier carved out on
the lower part of the shell.
B-roll (00088, 00:01-02:00) (V.O) With the outer
structure now complete, all that is left is for the clay
to be mounted. This is done using mortar made out of
soil, cement and water.
(V.O) The structural process is now complete and all
the necessary parts of the jiko are in place. From here,
the stove will be put out in the sun for the mortar
holding the clay in place to dry. The outer shell is also
painted to paper over the possible rust on the sheet.
Link to Break
Most Kenyans are dependent on charcoal and firewood
cookers to light their fire. Through the different jikos
he makes, Fredrick Omondi is not only making it more
efficient to use these cookers, but also making a life
out of it.
We take a short break now and when we come back, we will
look at another innovator who is using not much more than
her two hands to make a difference. Don’t go too far.

Link from Break

Earlier on, we followed the process of making a charcoal-
burning stove. Now, we get to meet Caroline Akoth, who
uses coal dust and soil to make briquettes that are
cheaper than usual charcoal and emit less smoke.

Outro
One of the essential factors for an idea or a product to
be considered innovative is the problem that it comes to
solve. For most people, not least those who live in slum
areas, the primary concern is how to bring the cost of
living down. Caroline and Fredrick have proven that
through innovative thinking, you can not only help to
make life that little bit easier for yourself but also
for the community around you.
That’s it from us here at Innovation Corner. Please join
us again next week, same place and same time as we
explore more innovations in Africa. My name is Purity
Ndung’u; please keep watching KUTV.