Situated on the equator on Africa’s east coast, Kenya has been described as “the cradle of humanity”. It covers 581,309 km2 (224,445 sq mi) and has a population of about 44 million in July 2012. And charcoal production has an important position in Kenya. 700,000 people have been employed in this industry and 500,000 people involved directly in the charcoal trade as transporters and vendors. But, there are many things you need to notice if you want to succeed in making charcoal briquettes in Kenya.
Firstly, you need to consider the availability of raw materials.
The fieldwork showed that the availability of raw materials has a strong influence over producers’ success.
1. Proximity
Like any production business, briquetting relies on good access to raw materials. So, the producer and raw material must be linked by an affordable means of transport. Such as a wheelbarrow, bicycle, public transport,etc. The materials used to produce charcoal briquette can be charcoal dust and biomass feedstock. And you also can not forget water and binding agent. The distance to get them must not be to long.
2. Quantity and Suitability
Not only must raw material be within reach, it must be available in large enough quantities. Because the producers need to have regular supply to ensure the sustainable production. Consider this you need to choose the suitable material which have massive production. There are many biomass feedstock you can choose in Kenya, such as the bagasse, coconut waste, wood waste etc.
Secondly, you need to consider your equipment and technology.
High quality of equipment can benefit a charcoal briquette business by adding value to the product by producing a desired shape and increasing productivity, especially in the compaction or briquetting process. Because the temperature and pressure can influence the quality of charcoal briquette in many aspects. Charcoal briquette machine from Azeus has good reputation in many countries. Further more we can customize the machine based on your requirement.
On the other hand, a more important aspect is the technical skill. Skills as briquetting, carbonization, drying etc. The workers need to know how to control the temperature, the size, the binding agent, length of burning, etc. So, you must have professional and experienced operators.
Thirdly, you need to consider the marketing.
A successful marketing strategy is very important. Because that different district and different people will have different demand about the charcoal’s shape, size, features. The producers need to do some research about the consumers needs to ensure the product is best suited to the target market.
For the potential consumers, you can take measures such as giving away free samples, product demonstrations and speaking to them at markets about the benefits of charcoal briquettes. Thus will increase the awareness and demand for the briquettes.
In conclusion, it is not easy to success in making charcoal briquette in Kenya, but this must be a good programme for local people and yourself.
