FACTORS INFLUENCING ACCESS TO RENEWABLE ENERGY BY RURAL FAMILIES: A CASE OF SOLAR LANTERNS PROJECT IN ISIOLO COUNTY, KENYA
Nzai Patrick Charo Kitsao - Masters Student, Arts in Project Planning and Management, University of Nairobi, Kenya
Amos K. Gitonga - School of Open Distance Learning, University of Nairobi, Kenya
ABSTRACT
In developing countries, lighting is generally thought to rank among the top three uses of energy. Adaption of renewable energy sources is typically not placed in the context of a specific fuel choice. Solar Technology would provide the solution to the evident energy gap but this tends to be negligible in most developing countries. There has been a lot of criticism, from various quarters, on the way the Isiolo County solar lanterns project are managed. The purpose of the study was to establish the factors influencing access to solar lanterns project by rural families in Isiolo County, Kenya. The study was guided by the following objectives; to establish the influence of community involvement, alternative sources of energy, availability of information and family income level on access to solar lanterns project by rural families in Isiolo County, Kenya. The study was grounded on resource dependence theory and public participation theory. The study adopted a descriptive research design. The target population for this study composed the community leaders, county government officials and the rural residents in Isiolo County. A sample population of 145 was selected from the target population of 234 with a 95% confidence level and an error of 0.05. The study selected the respondents using stratified random sampling technique. Primary data was obtained using self-administered questionnaires. The questionnaire was made up of both open ended and closed ended questions. The drop and pick method was preferred for questionnaire administration so as to give respondents enough time to give well thought out responses. After data cleaning, descriptive statistics such as frequencies, percentages, mean score and standard deviation was estimated for all the quantitative variables and information presented inform of tables. The qualitative data from the open-ended questions was analyzed using conceptual content analysis and presented in prose. Inferential data analysis was done using multiple regression analysis. The study found that community participation had a greater influence on access to solar lanterns project. It was found out that communication satisfaction, involvement in projects management and public dialogue influence access to solar lanterns project in a great extent. The study findings showed that knowledge on solar energy, experience and information sharing influence access to solar lanterns project in a great extent. It was further indicated that leadership style, strategic agility and commitment influence access to solar lanterns project in a moderate extent. It was also found that formal education, accessibility to information, training and capacity building was found to influence access to solar lanterns project greatly. It was also revealed that that proximity grid electricity, affordability and availability of alternative energy sources influence access to solar lanterns project greatly. The study findings found that there is a great influence of family income level on access to solar lanterns project. The results indicated that household expenses influence access to solar lanterns project in a great extent. The study recommended that Government of Kenya and especially the Ministry of Energy should provide training and education to increase the availability of information and awareness on the use of solar energy. The study recommends Government should consider zero rating tax on Solar equipment so as to influence lower pricing thus making it more affordable for purchase and installation of solar system. The study recommends that there should be timely release of funds as a way to ensure completion of projects within the stipulated time. Finally, the study concluded that community participation had the greatest influence on access to solar lanterns project followed by alternative sources of energy in Isiolo County, Kenya, followed by availability of information then family income level had the least influence on access to solar lanterns project.
