Determinants of rural electrification adoption and socio-economic benefits among households: A case of Meru-south sub-county, Kenya.

Abstract

Electricity is a critical asset for both human well-being and country’s socio-economic development. However, low adoption and general lack of optimal utilization of electricity continue to undermine maximum socio-economic productivity in most Sub-Saharan African countries. The rural areas are the hardest hit through low economic development and empowerment. There is little information on socio-economic dynamics that preside over the low adoption and potentials of rural electricity in this region. This study evaluated determinants of electricity adoption and explored socio-economic potentials and benefits of electricity in Meru South Sub-County. Interviews were conducted among stakeholders from the energy sector and also 150 randomly selected households using closed and open ended questionnaires. Data analyses used SPSS Vr 19. Results showed that 36% households had electricity compared to 64% non-adopters. Predictor factors that influenced adoption were distance from transformers (p=0.000), education level (p=0.020), gender (p=0.045), household size (p=0.009), and income (p=0.011). Electricity benefits and potentials including improved quality of life through lighting (100%) and business opportunities (38.8%) were cited. Household characteristics influenced electricity adoption but utilization had not been geared towards income generating activities. There is need to continue and increase popularization of electricity potentials among households and communities, and to review existing policies on distribution via grid extension to accommodate household characteristics to increase adoption and optimal utilization.