Power Connectivity and Performance of Kenya Power and Lighting Company in Western Kenya

Abstract

Electricity has become a preferred form of energy among consumers and producers due to its versatility, cleanliness, and availability. However, the majority of the rural areas in Kenya are characterized by inadequate and poor-quality electric power. The western region of Kenya is particularly trailing in power connectivity with only 27 percent of the household connected to electricity. Studies have cited low connectivity to electricity in rural areas as one of the major impediments to economic development in developing countries as it is a primary resource in enhancing value addition of farm produce. As observed, the legislation and regulation system of the energy industry in Kenya is monopolistic. With the nature of the regulatory structure in place, it was important to have a study that will project the performance of Kenya Power and Lighting Company outside the monopolized market. Thus, the study used variables such as power distribution and facilities for connectivity to explore how connectivity affects the performance of Kenya Power and Lighting Company. The general objective of the study was to examine power connectivity and performance of Kenya Power and Lighting Limited in western Kenya. The study will be useful in adding to the existing body of knowledge and form a basis for further research. The study assessed the various programs which ensure continued growth in the organization as well as positively contributing to customer satisfaction by the company. The study adopted a case study design, questionnaires were used for collection of primary data. Questionnaires were sent to 143 sampled respondents who were determined using the Yamane (1967) procedure, the sample was distributed in the four counties as follows: Bungoma, 36; Busia 34; Kakamega, 37; and Vihiga 36. However, 140 respondents out of the 143 managed to return filled questionnaires representing a response rate of 99 percent.  Descriptive statistics methods were used in analysing the collected data. Statistical Package for Social Sciences was used to analyse the collected data. The study found all the variables: Power distribution and, facilities for connectivity to have a positive and significant effect on the performance of KPLC in western region of Kenya.