KOKO Networks has announced that it has open a new technology production facility in Ruaraka, Nairobi in an event attended by their partners Vivo Energy Kenya.
KOKO is mainstreaming bioethanol cooking fuel in Kenya, starting in Nairobi, in partnership with Vivo Energy and a network of KOKO Agent shopkeepers across the city. Through a hardware and software platform the company has created a Smart Fuel ATM network in Nairobi.
Customers purchase a next-generation KOKO Cooker at their local KOKO Agent or via the myKOKO smartphone app, top up their KOKO Fuel account via M-Pesa, and then access bioethanol cooking fuel at any ‘KOKOpoint’ Fuel ATM.
The new production facility produces three fuel distribution technologies. The produce KOKOpoint Fuel ATMs before being deployed into KOKO Agent stores. The facility also produces the Smart Depot Systems and Smart Tanker Systems that enable Vivo Energy to safely control the flow of fuel into a fleet of Smart MicroTankers, and finally through to the refilling of KOKOpoints at KOKO Agents.
KOKOpoints are IoT-enabled and cloud-connected where the team monitors the technical and operational health of the Network of KOKOpoints and coordinates customer and Agent service, field maintenance and optimises KOKO Fuel and KOKO Cooker logistics. The facility also contains a laboratory for testing fuel samples and emissions of both KOKO Fuel and other fuels in the market.
KOKO is building its Greater Nairobi fuel distribution network by deploying hundreds of KOKOpoint fuel ATMs across the greater Nairobi metropolitan area, from Thika to Athi River, and from Kiserian to Limuru. This Network will go live in the coming months, enabling customers safe and affordable access to clean bioethanol cooking fuel within a short distance of their homes.