New guide fuels thousands of green shoppers

Green consumer trend in Kenya has seen Eco-Tourism Kenya (EK) spurred to produce a Green Directory who sales have consistently risen since the production of the first copy. The directory is a guide to holidays, services, green products and recycling options in Kenya and East Africa.

Ecotourism Kenya launched the first Kenyan directory in January 2008, and sold 1,500 copies. In November 2008, 2,500 copies of the edition were distributed in international and local workshops, seminars and shops in Nairobi. The second edition has just now been published, and a third directory is due in October.

The organization, founded in 1996, exists to promote sustainable tourism in Kenya, but its move to alert consumers to the greenest of green options is now taking on a life of its own. The directory catalogues a growing number of producers and suppliers, who according to the organization, have realized their responsibility in sustaining the environment for future generations. It contains information on the eco-rated facilities and corporate members of Ecotourism Kenya. It also provides listings of “green” products and services in Kenya, and recently in Tanzania, including services for water conservation, solar energy, wind energy or using recycled or 100 per cent natural materials. In addition, it contains a list of recycling and incinerating firms in the country.

It is designed, says the content manager Grace, “to help people make green choices”.

For many Kenyans, it’s an aide that is way overdue. Householders searching for ways to dispose of household waste other than open fires that are contributing to toxin levels in Nairobi and its food chain six times higher than legal limits in Europe are often stuck behind a lack of information on the alternatives.

Likewise, the guide now spells out water recycling options, exactly as the country grapples with annually deepening water shortages.

Over time, the green directory has added green events while looking to widen its scope to the larger East Africa.

The Green Guide can be bought for Sh250 from Ecotourism’s Upper Hill offices, on Longonot Road, opposite Shelter Afrique Center, or by contacting Grace on 020 272 4755 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Written by Stella Kabura for African Laughter

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