Analysis Of Energy Consumption Patterns And Carbon Footprints Of Selected Units Of The Kenya Defence Forces: Lessons And Policy Implications

Abstract

Energy costs accrued from various sources have continued to top the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) budget expenditure to approximately an eighth of its annual budgetary allocation. This has had a direct reflection on environmental degradation in various forms depending on the energy type in use. This study undertook baseline studies on three energy types used in three military barracks, namely grid electricity, Liquid Petroleum Gas (LPG) and petroleum. The study objectives were to: (i) Establish the energy consumption trends in three selected sites from 2011 to 2015, (ii) Analyse associated cost in relation to annual budgetary allocation, (iii) Establish the footprint of the energy use and (iv) Evaluate the regulatory framework governing energy consumption in the Kenya Defence Forces. Elinor Ostroms’ The Integrated Socio- Ecological Systems Theory informed the study. A descriptive cross-sectional survey was conducted with both qualitative and quantitative approaches. Primary data was collected using questionnaires administered to key informants, extraction matrices and energy audits while secondary data was derived from existing policies and audited financial records. Questionnaire survey was conducted by purposive sampling to obtain an informed sample. Due to the confidential nature of the information that is contained in this study, the classified information was converted into percentages for presentation and discussions. Similarly, and real identities of study sites are coded; Site A, B and C. There was evidence of a steady rise of 50% between 2011 to 2015 accompanied by a monetary cost implication of 3.750 units (7.4%) from 2011 to 6.343 units (8.9%) in 2015. Translating to 7.34% of the total budgetary allocation being spent on energy bills from 2011 – 2015. The amount of Carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions remained insignificant at an average of 1,500 unit MW in the period under study. KDF has an Energy Management and Environmental Conservation Programme (EMECP) handbook. The researcher has recommended a comprehensive review of the policy.