Has Kenya?s Governance Reforms In The Energy Sector Enhanced Access To Electricity In Rural Areas?
Journal of Energy Technologies and Policy
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Abstract: This study examines the outcomes of governance reforms in Kenya?s power sector and their role in improving rural electrification in Kakamega, Nyandarua, and Uasin Gishu counties. Using surveys from 384 rural households and logistic regression analysis, the authors explore how reforms in accountability, decentralization, and public participation influence electricity access. Findings show increased access through decentralized authorities and transparent procedures, but weak correlation with citizen participation. Rural knowledge of REREC and sectoral decision-making remains low, with most users uninformed about planning or grievance channels. The paper recommends enhanced stakeholder education, targeted policy messaging, and locally adaptable planning platforms. The study contributes to Sub-Saharan Africa?s governance-energy literature by showing how institutional reforms must be backed by information access and grassroots engagement to yield equitable development outcomes in electrification.