Kenyan charcoal maker to be honoured by Queen Elizabeth

david nganga

May 23, 2017 6:23 PM

Chebet will be honoured alongside two other Kenyans.

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A 27 year old Kenyan charcoal maker is set to be honored by Queen Elizabeth II.

Chebet Lesan is the young trained industrial designer-cum-social entrepreneur who in her entire life never thought that the decision to quit a corporate job and venture into charcoal making business could win her a date with the Queen.

Chebet had travelled to Tanzania and was astounded by how the region around Mt. Kilimanjaro was deforested given the increasing appetite for charcoal.

And it is the thought of how to use alternative methods of making charcoal without timber that saw her form BrightGreen Renewable Energy.

The enterprise uses waste such as agricultural and paper waste to make charcoal.

Her business has been well received by many households as well as companies which have prolonged cooking periods and prefer the charcoal as it has long burning properties.

The product has also achieved one of its goals which is conserving the environment by reducing deforestation.

Chebet’s innovative idea has seen her inducted into the Mandela Washington Fellowship which has offered insightful experience and enabled her network with other bright minds.

In addition, her project has been recognized by Queen Elizabeth II and will be among the three Kenyans who will receive the Queen’s Young Leaders Award.

The award has been in existence since 2014 and recognizes outstanding young people aged 18-29 years with exceptional leadership skills solving challenges in the society.

david nganga