Energy use and conservation in boarding schools in Thika Sub-County, Kenya

Abstract

This paper is based on a research on energy use a nd conservation in public and private boarding secondary schools in Thika Sub - County , Kenya . Specific ally, it examines the energy sources available to schools and energy conservation strategies a dopted. The study findings indicate that firewood , electricit y , diesel, liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) kerosene and charcoal are the main source of energy for cooking , lighting and laboratories in schools in Thika Sub - County . T here was limited use of solar and wind energy. With regard to energy conservation, it was o bserved that a significant proportion of schools utilized energy saving cookers and energy saving bulbs . They also had strict rules on the use of electricity . It is conc luded that over - reliance on firewood, electricity diesel and LPG as sources of energy in schools is not sustainable and may contribute to environment al degradation in Thika Sub - County . Furthermore, t he high cost of electricity and fossil fuels may put a strain on school budgets