FACTORS AFFECTING THE IMPLEMENTATION OF SOLAR TECHNOLOGY IN KENYA: THE CASE OF NYAMIRA COUNTY

Abstract

Solar energy is an important source of energy in Kenya due to its renewable nature. The study endeavored to find factors affecting the implementation of solar technology in Kenya: the case of Nyamira county. The purpose of the study was to explore the factors affecting the implementation of solar technology in Nyamira County, Kenya. The study objectives were: to established how the influence of stakeholders’ engagement affected the implementation solar technology, to find out how resource allocation affected the implementation solar technology, to assess how the use of technology affected the implementation solar technology, and to determine how the level of expertise affected the implementation of solar technology in Nyamira County, Kenya. The study employed purposive, stratified, and simple random sampling techniques to come up with a manageable study sample. Primary data was collected by use of questionnaires and interview schedules. Secondary data for the study was sourced from print media, journals, books, internet sources and online repositories. The study adopted the Resource Based Theory which states that the possession of resource is valuable, difficult to imitate and cannot be substituted. The collected data was analyzed using both descriptive and correlation analyzes. Correlation analysis was conducted to show the direction and strength of the variables in order to determine the relationship existing within the variables. Inferential statistics through regression analysis and ANOVA informed the hypothetical conclusions of the study. Data was analyzed using SPSS version 22. The results of the study were presented using tables, graphs, and charts. The study findings revealed that the: (1) engagement of stakeholders such as project teams, residents and government agencies were not fully involved; (2) resource allocation in project funding, implementation funds and security funds not inadequate; (3) technology was not adequately adopted; and (4) level of expertise with technical, human relation, and conceptual skills was inadequate in the implementation of solar technology. The study concluded that: for successful implementation of solar technology ought to involve stakeholders at every stage; adequate allocation of resources is required throughout the implementation process; adequate adoption of technology in solar installation, darkness sensing and automatic on/off sensors; and expert skills on technical, human relations and conceptual skills are key in the implementation of solar technology in Nyamira County, Kenya. The study recommends a further study to be conducted on the implementation of solar powered streetlights as a technology adoption mechanism in order to enhance building of the body of knowledge.