Thesis:

Factors affecting adoption of solar power energy Projects among households in Baringo county, Kenya

Kenya has tremendous opportunities for solar energy growth because it is located on the equator, where it receives enough sun energy of 4–6 KWh/M2. By 2030. Energy is recognized as a fundamental element and facilitator of the desired socio-economic change in the nation, helping to realize this vision. The Kenyan government can address energy challenges without the need for costly power generation projects, transmission, and distribution networks thanks to solar energy, even though only 49% of Kenyans have access to grid electricity. This is despite the country's enormous potential. The management of the solar projects by the county government of Baringo, Kenya has drawn a lot of criticism from a variety of sources. The study's goal was to identify the variables influencing how families in Kenya's Baringo County adapted solar energy installations. The following goals served as the basis for the study: to determine how household income, alternative energy sources, installation costs, and knowledge levels affect the adoption of solar energy projects in Kenya's Baringo County. The public involvement idea and the resource dependence theory served as the study's foundation. The research design used in the study was descriptive. 364 respondents, including solar project managers, community leaders, and community representatives, made up the study's population. Using a stratified random sampling procedure, 225 people were chosen as the sample size from the target population. Questionnaires that were selfadministered were used to collect primary data. It was decided to administer the questionnaire using the drop-and-pick method after two weeks to allow respondents the opportunity to provide thoughtful answers. Data was collected, then examined. The results of the computation of descriptive statistics were displayed as means, standard deviation, frequencies, and percentages. Regression analysis and multiple correlation were used to demonstrate the inferential data analysis and illustrate the link between the variables. The study's conclusion was based on the data, which showed a moderately favorable and statistically significant correlation (r = 0.451; p < 0.05) between the level of knowledge and the adoption of solar power energy. The cost of installation and the uptake of solar energy had a statistically significant, somewhat favorable connection (r = 0.488; p < 0.05). The adoption of solar power energy and alternative energy sources showed a moderately positive and statistically significant link. (r = 0.463; p < 0.05). A statistically significant and somewhat positive association was observed between household income and the adoption of solar power energy (r = 0.476; p < 0.05). Based on the outcomes of the study, the researcher advocated more awareness on solar power projects and that solar power energy installation prices should be more cost effective. Alternative forms of energy that are environmentally beneficial, such as solar power energy, should be supported in Baringo County, Kenya. Future research should be conducted on the problems associated with the acceptance and sustainability of solar power energy projects in Kenya.