Tucked away in a suburb in Lower Kabete lies an eco-friendly workshop where energy saving jikos, charcoal ovens, charcoal-making kilns, barbeque grills, space heaters and charcoal-coated seed balls are made.

The three founders of Cookswell Jikos — Teddy, Suzie and Nyokabi — derive their passion for sustainable energy solutions from their father — Dr Maxwell Kinyanjui — who was instrumental in designing and creating  the Kenya Cermic Jiko.

The KCJ is an upgrade of the traditional jiko. It has a ceramic liner, making it up to 50 per cent more efficient in fuel consumption than traditional all-metal alternatives, Teddy says.

Kinyanjui was an urban planning professor at the University of Nairobi.

The Star toured Cookwell’s workshop to find out more about the energy saving products.

As we enter the workshop, we are welcomed by the aroma of spicy sausages and cookies being grilled and baked in Cookwell appliances. We are just in time for breakfast.

Teddy says he and his family are passionate about environmental conservation. Although he and his two sisters, who recently returned from the US, do the day-to-day running of the business, he says his mother is the real boss and makes the major decisions.

Cookswell Jikos was started in 2008. The company makes a variety of energy saving jikos, ovens, space heaters and charcoal-making kilns for domestic and commercial use. The word about their range has spread as far as the Netherlands, from where they recently got an order.

“We believe in incorporating the needs of the consumer, so we are always adding elements to our products,” Teddy says.

Cookswell made a grill with a side board to their range after one client said he wanted a dual-purpose product.

“Our products are designed and handcrafted in Kenya by professional Kenyan artisans,” Teddy says.