| dc.description.abstract | Electricity is the most common and widely used type of energy globally because a large proportion of all the other types of energy are converted and distributed as electricity for endusers. In Kenya, electricity is the third most-used source of energy after fuel wood and petroleum products, and is second to petroleum fuels as a source of commercial energy. Currently, Kenya is experiencing high electricity demand that has exceeded its generation capacity. However, estimates by Kenya Power and Lighting Company indicated that 40% of electricity is wasted at end-use stages by Kenya's users indicating the need for electricity conservation strategies in all sectors. Eldoret Municipality is the fifth largest and one of the fastest growing industrial towns in Kenya yet information on electricity conservation strategies within its manufacturing industries is scarce. The study sought to identify sources of electricity wastage and identify electricity conservation strategies adopted to reduce the wastage by selected manufacturing industries within Eldoret Municipality. The specific objectives of the study were to: identify sources of electricity wastage; identify and analyse policies for electricity conservation; established the technological/operational strategies and; assess staff responsibilities in electricity conservation. Of the 690 registered manufacturing industries in Kenya, 25 of them are located within Eldoret Municipality. Eight of the 25 manufacturing industries within Eldoret Municipality were selected for the study. Purposive random sampling was used to select; (i) types of industries which included textile, paper manufacturing industry, wood industry, food processors, beverage industry and engineering firm and; (ii) 107 key informants who comprised of management, machine operators, electricians and other workers within each selected industry. Primary data was collected through the identification of expected consumption of electricity, scrutinizing monthly electricity bills, key informant interviews, observations, and administering questionnaires. Secondary data was obtained by review of relevant literature from internet, libraries, Sessional Papers and pamphlets from KPLC. Data analysis was conducted quantitatively using descriptive statistics namely frequencies and cross-tabulations and; qualitatively by coding and making scientific discussions. The findings of the study were presented in the form of tables, charts, plates and discussions. The selected industries were categorized as heavy or light according to electricity consumption. Ten sources of electricity wastage were identified in both heavy and light selected manufacturing industries within Eldoret Municipality. The study established that the selected manufacturing industries had adopted six policy and eight operational/technological strategies to reduce electricity wastage and conserve electricity. Each category of industry workers such as management, engineers, electricians, machine operators were individually responsible in the identification or implementation of the electricity conservation strategies within the selected manufacturing industries. However, inadequate training on electricity conservation, lack of proper communication channels, and inadequate staff motivation within industries hampered participation of industry workers in electricity conservation. The study recommended the establishment of effective monitoring systems of electricity consumption to enable easy identification of sources of electricity wastage and effectiveness of conservation strategies used; full enforcement of existing electricity conservation policies; training and creating awareness to all workers on sources of electricity wastage and electricity conservation strategies used to reduce electricity wastage. It is hoped that the findings of the study will benefit KPLC, manufacturing industries and government in implementing the identified electricity conservation strategies. | en_US |
