Identifying and Managing the Market Barriers to Renewable Energy in Kenya

Abstract

The topic came to mind after thinking of the challenges in Kenyan energy sector we are facing today and which are likely to get more challenging with time. As the population grows some of the resources we have will be strained further; these includes energy, water resources, forestry, transport systems and more wastes will be generated. How to provide the population with adequate supplies of energy, cleanly, safely and sustainably? This is the question which will be of interest to policy makers. Our world today is been run by energy mainly from fossil fuels which are not sustainable and the resources is to diminish further due to the increasing energy demands and the ever growing population not forgetting the developing nations in the world which are in high demand for energy.

The study analyses different barriers to RE in Kenya and for comparison also elsewhere. The study is based on available literature and goes further to give solutions on ways to mitigate RE barriers in Kenya. The current energy situation and RE potential in Kenya is presented. The aim of the study is to give ideas on how to have more RE as the source of energy in Kenya.The largest barrier is policies and regulatory framework. Conventional energy sources getting tax reduction and R& D funds. The barriers to RE are not technological , but they are more political, financial, educational and all related to the- infrastructure.