Journal of Natural Science Research and Review (JNSRR)

Adoption of Photovoltaic Systems and Its Social, Economic and Environmental Impacts on the Community in Taita Taveta County, Kenya

Owuor, Kevin Omondi, Swalehe, Rehema, Gacheru, James

10 November 2025 · Vol. 1, Issue 5, pp. 100-108

DOI: 10.65150/EP-jnsrr/V1E5/2025-03

Abstract

Purpose of the study: The study examined the adoption of photovoltaic systems and its social, economic and environmental impacts in Taita Taveta County. Problem statement: Although Kenya lies within the tropical zone and receives abundant solar radiation throughout the year, the uptake of solar technology remains low among rural populations due to high installation costs, limited financing, and inadequate awareness. In Taita Taveta County, where solar irradiance averages 4–6 kWh/m², many households remain off-grid and depend on non-renewable sources like kerosene and firewood, resulting in persistent energy poverty, health risks, and environmental degradation. Methodology: A descriptive research design was adopted, targeting four sub-counties i.e. Voi, Taveta, Mwatate, and Wundanyi. The study population comprised 97,334 households, with 23.8% (23,165 households) identified as off-grid. A sample of 279 households was determined using Cochran’s formula. Stratified random sampling was then applied to ensure representation of rural off-grid households from the four sub-counties in Taita Taveta County as follows; Voi (91), Taveta (75), Mwatate (67), and Wundanyi (46). The study employed a multiple linear regression model. Results of the study: The findings showed that slightly more than half of the households surveyed had adopted PV systems, demonstrating a growing but not yet universal shift towards solar energy. Correlation analysis revealed that while adoption challenges had an inverse relationship with PV uptake, the social, economic, environmental, and sustainability dimensions were positively correlated with adoption success. Regression analysis showed that adoption challenges exhibited a significant negative effect, indicating that greater barriers to adoption hinder PV uptake. Conclusion and policy: Despite existing challenges, over half of the households had adopted PV systems, showing rising acceptance and notable socio-economic and environmental benefits. These insights can guide policymakers in designing incentives and financing models to enhance PV adoption.s Recommendations: The study recommended government partnerships to enhance subsidies, affordable financing, and technical support, while integrating PV adoption into rural development and county energy plans.

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Owuor, Kevin Omondi, Swalehe, Rehema, Gacheru, & James (2025). Adoption of Photovoltaic Systems and Its Social, Economic and Environmental Impacts on the Community in Taita Taveta County, Kenya. Journal of Natural Science Research and Review, 1(5), 100-108. https://doi.org/10.65150/EP-jnsrr/V1E5/2025-03

@article{Owuor2025,
  title   = {Adoption of Photovoltaic Systems and Its Social, Economic and Environmental Impacts on the Community in Taita Taveta County, Kenya},
  author  = {Owuor and Kevin Omondi and Swalehe and Rehema and Gacheru and James},
  journal = {Journal of Natural Science Research and Review},
  year    = {2025},
  volume  = {1},
  number  = {5},
  pages   = {100-108},
  doi     = {10.65150/EP-jnsrr/V1E5/2025-03},
  url     = {https://doi.org/10.65150/EP-jnsrr/V1E5/2025-03}
}

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