Abstract:
Knowing the determinants of household utilization and changing
behaviour is an important element in understanding the pathways
towards clean, sustainable and modern household energy sources. This
study, therefore, examines the drivers of household energy usage and
choices in Western Kenya using structural equation modelling from 560
sampled households. The research was carried out in Western Kenya
(Uasin Gishu and Bungoma counties) from a target household of
663,000. Data was collected using a structured questionnaire and were
analyzed to find standard estimate (path coefficients), standard error,
critical ratios and the level of significance using AMOS version 23. SEM
analysis found that education level, income, residential status, peri
urbanization, house size, house composition, age and gender of the
household head were the determinants of household energy choices and
changing behaviour among households both for cooking. On the other
hand, SEM showed that household energy choices for lighting are
significantly influenced by income level, family size, location, education
level, and residential status. High income and more educated households
residing in peri-urban were more likely to use cleaner cooking (LPG,
electricity) while lesser households living in rural areas use firewood and
agricultural residues for cooking. Rural households mostly adopt solar
energy for domestic use because rural areas are isolated and detached
from the power grid. Though income and education are the major
factors, the research finds that numerous non-income factors similarly
play a key role in determining household energy utilization and changing
behaviour. This study offers the understanding of improving household
energy planning and designing policy and interventions in Kenya and
sub-Saharan African countries.
