Factors Influencing Electrification of Rural Households in Kenya: a Case of Meru South Sub-county, Kenya

Abstract

This study sought to investigate factors influencing the electrification of rural households in order to come up with recommendations can help to hasten the electrification process and draw important lessons for future rural electrification projects. The objectives of this study were to establish the influence of REA’s involvement on electrification of households, to assess the influence of alternative energy sources on electrification of households, to determine the influence of proximity to distribution grid on electrification of households and to determine the influence of demand of electricity on electrification of households. This study used a descriptive research design. The scope of this study was limited to Meru-South Sub County and REA’s involvement, demand for electricity, alternative sources of energy and proximity to distribution grid. This research targeted members of 200 households and a sample size comprising 80 households and 12 staff from the rural electrification authority projects department were selected. To select the test sample, multi-sage sampling was be used in selecting wards and sub-divisions for the study after which simple random sampling was used to pick the households. The REA sample comprised of all staff in the projects department. Questionnaires were be used to collect data after which, data analysis was done by calculating the arithmetic mean and standard deviation of the data. In this research data was presented in tables. Research finding from this research will be utilized by implementers of rural electrification projects as well as other players and stakeholders in the electricity and energy industry. In addition to implementers, this research study will be of significance to REA as it will offer information that can be used in formulation of policies and application in relation to the area context. Further, the findings of this research study can be of significance to the government, specifically the ministry of Energy in promoting electrification projects. Three theories were reviewed in this study, but the study was grounded on the Theory of Consumption Values as it offered a better understanding on the factors influencing rural electrification of households. The main limitations that were faced by the researcher included issues of confidentiality and unwillingness of some respondents to participate in the research. Study findings revealed that the economic status of households and alternative sources of energy had the most significant influence on the electrification of rural households. From the research findings, it is clear that the amount of funding to REA, availability of alternative sources of energy, distance of a household from a transformer and ability to pay had the most significant influence on rural electrification. Based on these findings, it was recommended that there is need for the government to allocate enough funds to REA and REA must have proper electrification policies which should not only endeavour to make sure that all rural households are electrified but also the cost of electrification is affordable. Additionally, it was there is need for the government and any other concerned non-governmental bodies to sensitize the masses on the significance of using clean sources of energy such as electricity and not those that are readily available and non-renewable. Further, it was recommended that there is need for REA to ensure that it reduces through subsidizing the cost of electrification in order to encourage more connections. This research study may be of great benefit to the implementers of rural electrification projects as well as other players and stakeholders in the electricity and energy industry. To the Rural Electrification Authority (REA), the study provides information that can be used in formulation of policies and application in relation to the area context