Energy demand survey in rural commercial centers of Western Kenya

Due to increases in demand for fossil fuels and in the price of fuels, availability of energy to those of limited resources has declined. Access to sustainable energy is increasingly recognised as both a mechanism and a requirement for development. Thus, increasingly the role of energy, including bioenergy, in development and poverty reduction process is being considered. This study investigates demand for the proposed pyrolysis unit to generate bioenergy in developing countries at a local level. The survey was conducted across fifty six commercial centres in Western Kenya. The key findings include; issues continue to persist in relation to current fuel supply chains, the lack of availability of energy in small quantities acts as a barrier to the uptake and use of energy and development of the biofuels sector represents potential to increase incomes for transporters whilst strengthening rural market linkages.