Project reference: RSGL-0024B

This research aims to enrich understanding on the relative successful adoption of Solar Home Systems (SHSs) in Kenya to inform the design of Climate Innovation Centres and policy initiatives that facilitate the transfer and uptake of low carbon technologies in Kenya and other Least Developed Countries (LDCs). The project aims to identify ways in which low carbon technologies can benefit poor people by improving access to modern energy services.

It will develop a detailed picture of the full spectrum of actors together with institutional frameworks and events that assisted the uptake of this technology in Kenya. Whilst the project aims to provide insights of relevance to other country and technology contexts, careful attention will be given to the extent to which lessons learned are applicable outside of the context of Kenya and to technologies other than SHSs.

The project builds on the STEPS Centre’s Pathways Approach to bridge relevant insights from academic literature in the fields of both innovation studies and socio-technical transitions. For more information on the theoretical background to the project see the STEPS Centre Energy Briefing and associated Working Paper.

Download the research project case study here

Find out more:

Contact David Ockwell: d.g.ockwell@sussex.ac.uk

Project website: www.steps-centre.org/project/low_carbon_development

Lead: University of Sussex in the UK (including the STEPS Centre, Sussex Energy Group  and Tyndall Centre)

Project Partners: The African Technology Policy Studies Network, Kenya

CDKN Funding: £500,000

Regions/Countries: Kenya

Type: Research project, CDKN Global Research Call

Image courtesy of the Kuyasa CDM project, which was taken by Nic Bothma