Factors influencing electricity distribution in Nyamarambe Division; Kisii County, Kenya

Abstract

The study on factors influencing electricity distribution in Nyamarambe Division, Kisii County was guided by the following four objectives; to establish the influence of electricity connection cost on electricity distribution in Nyamarambe Division, to examine the influence of the areas' economic background on electricity distribution in Nyamarambe Division, to establish the extent to which security of electricity distribution network influences electricity distribution in Nyamarambe Division and to assess how access to information by users and non-users of electricity influences electricity distribution in Nyamarambe Division. Literature was reviewed according to the objectives of the study.

The first objective was reviewed by looking at factors influencing cost inefficiency in electricity distribution and how regulation of electricity services can make electricity accessible and affordable. The second objective was reviewed by looking at a report done by Tschirley, lrungu, Gitau, and Kariuki on Rural Incomes, Inequality and Poverty Dynamics in Kenya which found out that alleviating poverty remained one of the key challenges in many developing economies which according to Kenya Integrated Household and Budget Survey, (2006) found that 46% of the total Kenyan population is absolutely poor, whereas 49% of the rural population was absolutely poor.

The third objective was reviewed by mentioning reliability factors affecting electricity infrastructure like natural causes, local history, civic projects, citizen and crew safety, inter-governmental collaboration and power outages. The fourth objective was reviewed by looking at a research done by Shibanda (2006) on Management of government information in Kenya which revealed that 50 per cent of the Kenyan imprint constitutes official publications on legal policy, education, agriculture, economic, health and environment with implication on day today lives of citizens. The study employed descriptive survey method as a research design. Data was collected by use of questionnaire and interview methods. A total population of 2293 was targeted comprising 2243 electricity users and non-users (households) and 50 electricity distributors. 20% of the target population was sampled.

It was established that 35.35% of the respondents had electricity in their premises which was a good percentage as compared to Kenyas rate of just over 10% in rural areas. The study found out that cost of electricity connection was considered unaffordable and vandalism comprised security of electricity distribution network. The area's economic background was found to be favorable with businesses and farming activities predominant, about 32% of the respondents were in formal employment. Knowledge of sources of electricity information and service providers was over 90% a good indication of access to information. The study concluded that the high connection rate (35.35%) in Nyamarambe Division was as a result of favorable economic background and accessibility to information on electricity services.

The connection rate could have been higher were it not for high connection cost to electricity and rampant vandalism of electricity distribution network in this area. It was therefore recommended that the Government together with the electricity service providers should consider bringing down electricity connection costs, sensitize users and non users of electricity to counter vandalism to electricity distribution network, electricity service providers should ensure that electricity service information got by users and nonusers of electricity is valid and Kenyans to elect development conscious leaders since these leaders influence prOVISIOn of electricity services,