The Maasai people of east Africa are historically migrant herders. When they do settle, they build mud huts, with 10-odd structures in a family settlement, making up a minor community, or a “boma”. A boma may house 50 – 100 people and their livestock.

Cooking is traditionally done on an open fire inside the hut. This creates enormous smoke and hazard for burning of young children. Early death from smoke-inhalation-related diseases is common.

TGUP has funded 300 vented stoves and chimneys for cooking, warmth, and safety. More than 95% of smoke and carbon monoxide is vented through the engineered stove and chimney. The stoves also use 60% less firewood than their open-air predecessors.