Abstract
Universities serve as a hub in knowledge generation which is the main driver for a sustainable economic growth. The National Environment Management Authority (NEMA) continues to foster a green development pathway for Kenya. Maasai Mara University being a public university in Narok County it is expected to influence the community in knowledge sharing and dissemination on various research outputs. Through the establishment of the Center for Innovation, New and Renewable Energy, Maasai Mara University has facilitated the use of green energy. With only 46% of the Kenyan households having access to electricity, 54% of the population make use of non-renewable energy sources for their daily needs. This means that most Kenyans continue to use non-renewable energy presumably due to lack of knowledge for an alternative. Narok County counted as a marginalized county in Kenya, benefited from International Development Association (IDA) where $150 million grant was issued via the World Bank to promote access to modern energy. The Kenyan government through Rural Electrification Programme, has come up with the National Electricity Policy aimed at increasing the deployment of renewable energy. With such concerns, there is need to determine whether or not universities actualize their role of sharing information including that of renewable energy to the community. This study adopted a descriptive survey design. The target population was 11,776 households in Narok Town sublocation. With the use of stratified sampling technique, the sample size used in the study was 4122 households being 35% of the number of households in the area. Primary data was collected using open ended and closed questionnaire. The study revealed that 56.6% of the Narok Town residents were not aware of renewable energy sources. Only 17.6% of the households were able to be influenced on green energy choices by Centre for Innovation, New and Renewable Energy at Maasai Mara University. The study further indicates that 47.9% of the households would prefer seminars as the appropriate method. For universities to share knowledge on renewable energy. The study therefore recommends that Institutions of higher learning should be on the forefront to influence green energy to surrounding communities. Keywords: Universities; Knowledge Sharing; Renewable Energy; Maasai Mara University DOI : 10.7176/JETP/9-9-04 Publication date: December 31 st 2019
Highlights
Introduction and Background of the studyEducation and research are largely recognized in a number of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) where universities are expected to address such issues
With universities being a cradle for knowledge with an eye for future implications, it is expected that they can train, research and offer extension services that are necessary to foster the use of renewable energy
8.7 Strategies for Knowledge Sharing on Renewable Energy The results presented in figure 4 below shows that 49.7 of the respondents would prefer seminars as their method in which the knowledge on renewable energy would be shared. 24.6% believe that posters are the most effective way of sharing knowledge
Summary
Education and research are largely recognized in a number of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) where universities are expected to address such issues. It should be noted that the contribution of universities is broader as they are expected to influence and support implementation of any SDG goal. In Africa, universities shun away from offering programs based on renewable energy. They educate students on how they can be competent professionals in other fields. With universities being a cradle for knowledge with an eye for future implications, it is expected that they can train, research and offer extension services that are necessary to foster the use of renewable energy. In Kenya, tough economic conditions make a lot of her citizens opt to use a non-renewable source of energy due to its affordability and accessibility. Very little concern has been given to safeguard the environment from future degradation
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