Assessment of Implementation of Energy Efficiency Measures, Savings Achieved and Barriers to Implementation at Various Firms in the Hospitality Industry in Kenya

Abstract

The approval of the Energy Act 2006 in Kenya was followed with energy audits and efficiency campaigns, collaboration by different institutions and specialized training driven using various platforms. The energy audits help in the identification of conservation opportunities. Since 2006, over 1,000 energy audits have been performed. Efforts have been made to advance the management of the energy agenda in addition to establishing an enabling and effective environment through legislation. These methods include energy efficiency campaigns like the replacement of inefficient bulbs with LEDs that targeted more than a million households by the national utility company Kenya Power through its Demand Side Management department. The study adopted a descriptive research design and targeted hotels and restaurants within Nairobi. Primary data was collected by means of a semi structured questionnaire. The same unit is in-charge of ensuring that consumers use the energy they have efficiently by readily offering information. According to the Energy Regulations 2012, Energy audits are compulsory for facilities that have an annual consumption above 180,001 kWh. The sector is regulated by the Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) which issues licenses through a rigorous process to individuals and firms who have qualified to conduct energy audits within the designated facilities. Learning institutions have also started coming up with specialized training to assist in capacity building of individuals within the sector. Several certification courses which are recognized in the country and internationally have been embraced by the regulating body and the experts in the fraternity. This review paper aimed at investigating the implementation of measures of energy efficiency, savings attained and the challenges faces in different organizations within the hospitality sector in Kenya. The paper aimed at solving the problem of energy efficiency measures in the hospitality sector since there are no proper placed policies managing the energy sector in Kenya.