Formulation and implementation of operations strategy for energy-efficient street lighting: the case of Nairobi city county

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to investigate operations strategy formulation for energy-efficient street lighting at the Nairobi City County. The study was guided by the following three objectives: to establish the extent of operations strategy formulation; to determine the extent that the operations strategy has been implemented and to establish the challenges experienced in the implementation of the operations strategy for energy-efficient street lighting for Nairobi City County. Descriptive survey research design was used in conducting this study. The target population for the study was the electrical department of the Nairobi City County. Seven engineers and fifteen supervisors in the department were targeted for data collection. Primary data collection method was a self-administered questionnaire administered using “drop and pick later” basis. Data was analyzed using descriptive statistics such as frequency tables, percentages, mean value, standard deviations and content analysis. Results revealed that operations strategy formulation for energy-efficient street lighting in Nairobi City County takes place at the Nairobi City County and the electrical department plays a major role in the formulation of the operations strategy. Operations strategy implementation through development of programs, budgets and procedures occurred in varying extent. The research findings indicated that the main challenges to the implementation of operations strategy were vandalism and lack of financial and human resources channeled towards energy-efficiency. The study recommended that an energy policy be incorporated in the operations strategy formulation. The research findings also recommended replacement of all 25,500 HPSV street lamps, constituting 82.3% of all street lamps, with 120W LED street lamps. This would translate to total annual cost savings of Kshs 106.7 million or a 24% reduction in annual electricity costs. With an initial cost of Kshs. 1.02 billion, NCC would recover its capital investment in 9.5 years. It was also recommended that the top management make a commitment to continuous improvement and allocate adequate staff and funding to the electrical department. Lastly, it was recommended that all PPPs contracts be reviewed in order to enforce energy-efficiency practices in street lighting within Nairobi City County.