Charcoal traders in Isiolo have cited lack of support among the impediments to them embracing alternative livelihoods that have little or no negative impact on the environment.

The charcoal traders who have been in the business for decades expressed willingness to quit the venture but lamented that institutions championing for cleaner sources of energy had overlooked them.

One of the traders, Joyce Karimi said money set aside by state and non-state actors for environmental conservation should support them venture into sale of clean energy sources and other jobs.

Their appeal comes at a time when the business faces increasing competition from charcoal briquettes which are slowly being embraced by residents.

Briquettes have been billed as a game changer in efforts to reduce rampant cutting down trees for charcoal burning in the region.

Engineer James Karani, who runs a briquettes production firm in Isiolo that uses castor oil husks, maize combs, Gum Arabica and molasses, says with support, women in the charcoal business can diversify their livelihoods.

With a subsidy, he said, the charcoal traders would embrace the briquettes and help popularize them among the local population.

Burat Assistant chief Elim Ekai said charcoal burning was frustrating President William Ruto’s efforts to plant 15 billion trees meant to reduce the impact of climate change.

Charcoal burning is a significant contributor to climate change due to the carbon emissions which result in air quality degradation and health problems.