The Impact of Light Emitting Diode (LED) Lighting Use on Electricity Consumption in Nyeri County, Kenya
Nyaga Mawira, Isaac Nangendo & Joshua Okemwa
Department of Technology Education
University of Eldoret
Email: nyagamawira6@gmail.com
Abstract: Despite the global and national shift toward energy-efficient lighting, electricity consumption in Kenya remains constrained by persistent supply interruptions, rising tariffs, and incomplete household transition from conventional incandescent and fluorescent bulbs to LED technology. Further, there is inadequate empirical evidence documenting the actual impact of LED adoption on local electricity consumption patterns. This study sought to examine the impact of LED lighting use on electricity consumption among households in Nyeri County, Kenya. The study was anchored on the Energy Efficiency Theory and adopted a pragmatist research paradigm using a mixed-methods research design. The target population comprised approximately 175,000 households across Nyeri County, from which a sample size of 384 households was determined using the Yamane formula and selected through stratified random sampling; 315 questionnaires were successfully completed, yielding an 82.0% response rate. Data were collected using structured questionnaires and key informant interview guides. Quantitative data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics via SPSS, while qualitative data were analyzed thematically. Ethical clearance was obtained from NACOSTI, with informed consent, confidentiality, and voluntary participation upheld throughout. Findings revealed that 62.2% of households primarily used LED bulbs, with greater bulb ownership and longer duration of use associated with lower reported electricity consumption. The study concluded that LED lighting adoption significantly and positively influences household electricity consumption reduction in Nyeri County, thoughadoption remains incomplete. It recommends intensified awareness campaigns, cost-reduction incentives, quality standards enforcement, and integration of LED promotion into rural electrification programmes.
