The art of mixing mud is still
common in East Africa since
the walls of most houses,
especially in highlands, are
smeared with mud. This is
done to protect the occupants
from the cold especially during
the night, and keep them cool
during the day.
In recent years,
however, two kinds of
improved stove technologies
have been promoted by
different organizations in the
region. The most publicised
technology is the clay-lined
stove. The stove is made of
clay and fired before use.
Potters who make clay pots
have, in many cases, doubled
up to produce pots and
improved stoves. The
Figure 1.4 The walls of most houses in E. Africa were built of mud
technology, however, requires
skills for stove-making and firing. Promotion of improved stoves became more popular in the 1980s
and resulted in the development of stoves such as the Kenya Ceramic Jiko (KCJ), Maendeleo (Upesi)
Jiko, Uganda Sigiri, Morogoro stove, Jiko la Dodoma and Jiko Bora.
Figure 1.5 The Uganda Sigiri
Figure 1.6 The portable Maendeleo jiko
The other technology which has had very little publicity but has persisted is the mud stove technology.
Examples of mud stoves include Jiko Sanifu, Unicef, Lorena, Wasambaa, the protected three-stone
fire, the improved traditional three-stone stove, one-pot mud stove, Kilakala, Nyungu and the raise fire
place.
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