Case study
Efficient lighting uptake among the urban poor: Evidence from a Kenyan informal settlement
BUSARA GROUNDWORK
SECTOR
Energy
PROJECT TYPE
Field and Lab Experiments
BEHAVIORAL THEME
Efficiency| Urgency
OVERVIEW
We look into the critical nexus of electricity provision and energy efficiency in informal settlements, focusing on the informal settlement of Kibera in Nairobi, Kenya. Informal settlements often grapple with limited access to electricity, making them a unique space to engage with energy efficiency initiatives. With approximately one-third of the urban population in low-income countries residing in such settlements, the urgency of catering energy efficiency strategies to their specific needs becomes evident.
Efficient lighting emerges as a key player in enhancing household welfare, ensuring grid stability, curbing emissions, and prudent resource management. Yet, the adoption of energy-efficient lighting faces various drivers and barriers in this context. This study relies on household surveys conducted in Kibera and reveals that factors like knowledge, beliefs, and product durability significantly influence the use and willingness to pay for compact fluorescent lamp (CFL) bulbs. Notably, fixed monthly electricity rates in these settlements challenge the traditional cost-saving argument of energy efficiency, emphasizing the need for tailored messages considering contextual benefits and costs. Furthermore, the study highlights the importance of quality assurance to instill consumer confidence and recommends multifaceted strategies to promote energy-efficient lighting, aligning with the contextual conditions of informal settlements.
