Biogas technology was introduced in Kenya in the mid 1950s by white settler farmers. By 1958, a private company Tunnel Technology limited was constructing biogas plants in different parts of the country. The company had installed about 150 units by the early 1980s.

Institutions that have played an active role in the promotion of biogas include:

• Special Energy program (SEP), a joint effort between GTZ ,Ministry of Energy, Ministry of Livestock Development and Kenya Industrial Estates (KIE)
• Kenya woodfuel and Agroforestry Project (KWAP)
• Christian Intermediate Technology Center (CITC)
• Tunnel Technology Ltd.
• Biogas Africa
• Kentainers Ltd.

Biogas is most commonly used for cooking and lighting. Slurry is largely used as manure and is appreciated by the users. The most widely disseminated plant in Kenya is the floating drum.

Biogas technology is a cost-effective investment if plants are properly constructed, effectively operated and well maintained. Only an estimated 25 % of the installed biogas units in Kenya are operational, giving the technology a negative image.

Continued use of the plants is linked to the dissemination strategy adopted by the promoting institution. A high level of use is observed in areas where the dissemination was followed with planned monitoring and support to the end users.

The potential for agriculture is limited to agricultural areas with high population densities and is further restricted to farmers who can afford the high initial costs associated with biogas plants.

Major constraints to biogas technology dissemination include:

• High initial investment costs compounded with lacking credit schemes
• Negative image caused by failed biogas plants
• Limited private sector involvement

To increase viability the following avenues must be explored:

1. Resources should be directed to promoting the technology in high potential areas.
2. Private sector involvement in promotion and dissemination is necessary for successful adoption of the technology.
3. There is need to counter the already negative image of the technology that exist by promoting proven designs and providing post installation support.
4. Cheaper low costs designs need to be developed to lower the cost entry barrier
5. Access to credit for end-users and small enterprises promoting biogas
6. Promoting entities should develop sufficient capacity to advice potential users on available options.