The Adoption of Energy-Efficient Lighting: Practices and Potential among Small-scale Traders in Kenyan Market Centres

Abstract

Abstract

Globally, studies have highlighted the environmental, economic, and social benefits of replacing high-emission lighting sources such as kerosene lamps and incandescent bulbs with cleaner alternatives like LED lights and solar-powered lamps. However, despite growing research in this field, limited attention has been given to the impact of this transition on small scale traders, who form a significant part of the economy in many developing countries. This study examined solar energy absorption and access patterns among traders in Kenya.  The study adopted a cross-sectional descriptive survey design. The study was conducted in trading centers within four counties—Kericho, Nakuru, Baringo, and Kisumu. The sample size for the study was 384 small-scale traders. Data was collected using structured questionnaires, observation checklist, key informant interview guide and focus group discussion guide. Qualitative data was analyzed thematically while quantitative data was analyzed descriptively using percentages and inferentially using Chi-square. The sample shows a marked gender imbalance, with females comprising 87.7% (335 respondents) versus 12.3% males (47).  Education levels are dominated by secondary school completion (57.9%), followed by primary school completion (28.0%), tertiary (9.2%), and none (0.5%).  Primary lighting sources highlight solar dominance at 88.0%, far outpacing grid electricity (8.6%), "other" sources (2.1%), candles (0.5%), and negligible kerosene lamps or generators (0.3% each). The chi-square results revealed a significant rate of adoption of solar lamps by small scale traders.  Frequently used lighting devices favor LEDs (65.2%, 249), rechargeable torches (24.1%, 92), and fluorescent tubes (8.4%, 32), with rare incandescent use (0.3%) and minimal missing data (1.8%). Overall, results affirm solar's scalability for energy poverty alleviation and gender-specific challenges, though gender skew limits male perspectives, and "other" sources warrant further probing for hybrids. Targeted interventions could boost tertiary education uptake and rainy-season reliability.