Abstract:
Access to energy is perceived to improve the social, economic and wellbeing of a
society. However, there exists a challenge in ascertaining the actual benefits of energy
initiatives introduced in the community. To a larger extent in the absence of tangible
results most initiatives end up as a blessing in disguise to the society. The study
sought to examine the effect of energy initiatives on people‘s socio-economic
livelihoods in Homa bay County, Kenya. The specific objectives were to: Identify the
energy initiatives in Homa Bay County; assess their socio-economic benefit on
wellbeing; and examine the challenges encountered in the adoption and use of the
energy initiatives. The study was based on capability theory and diffusion of
innovation theory and utilized pragmatism philosophical underpinning. Based on
mixed methodology, the study adopted ex post facto research design. The target
population was 203,192 and using systematic and cluster sampling techniques, a
sample size of 389 was selected for the study. Instruments of data collection were
structured questionnaire, interview schedule and observation guide. Data was
analyzed both descriptively and inferentially. Descriptive analysis employed
frequencies, percentages; inferential statistics involved the use of chi square, while
qualitative data was analyzed thematically. The study established two main sources of
household cooking technologies; the three stone fire and the Kenya ceramic jiko.
Additionally, the main sources of household cooking fuel were biomass, kerosene and
LPG. Adoption of solar (126) and electricity (76) enabled homework and assignments
to be done at night. Households (235) were also able to access educative programs on
TV, radio or use their mobile phones for social activities. Chi square analysis
revealed that adoption of kerosene (X 2 (2) = 4.305, p<0.05) and charcoal (X 2 (2) =
6.656, p<0.05) reduced the problem of chesty cough. Kerosene (X 2 (2) = 5.873,
p<0.05) and charcoal (X 2 (2) = 9.101, p<0.05) also reduced eye irritation. However,
Households reported indoor air pollution evidenced by presence of black carbon
(83.4%) and smoke (69.2%) in the kitchen area. The challenges included high cost of
fuels and appliances, low income and education level, lack of information and long
distance to collection and purchasing points. The study concludes that biomass
constitute an important fuel in Homa Bay County. Stoves with chimneys can reduce
exposure to smoke and black carbon relative to traditional options. The study
recommends awareness creation and promotion of clean and improved cooking
solutions including modern fuels such as LPG and electricity; renewable solutions
such as biogas, and solar; and advanced biomass gasifier stove technologies with the
aim of reducing the cost of stoves and creating added economic incentive to replace
old, inefficient cookstove models.