Socio-Economic Impact of Solar Lamp Lighting in Kibera Slum, Kenya.

Abstract

Globally, it has been documented that people living in informal settlements are exposed to socio-economic risks due to the constant daily pressure on space, social relationships, healthcare, education, infrastructure and governance. Water and light energy crises among the residents in informal settlements such as Kibera, experience increased social risks due to the growing demand over limited resources. Poor lighting facilities in the households of  Kibera, has a negative impact on businesses, security , environment, health and education of school going children because they rely on the dangerous dim smoky paraffin lamps to carry out their activities. The study aimed at evaluating the socio-economic impact of using solar lamps lighting in Kibera. The research adopted a descriptive survey design .The study area was purposively chosen and a sample size of 330 households also drawn purposively from a sampling frame of 1050 households who had directly benefitted directly from Mwangaza Kenya. Data was collected during home visitations in households who had used solar lamp lights for at least 8 months prior to the study using structured questionnaires and pre- filled d.light passbooks. The data was keyed into a spreadsheet and analyzed to quantify the social-economic changes brought about by use of solar lighting. Data was presented using tables and graphs. The study showed a major socio economic impact of the project i.e.  the elimination of health hazards associated with paraffin lamps, increased sense of security, saving and income from additional income due to extended business time in the evening and improved quality of light used by school going children leading to increase in study time hence improved academic performance. This resulted to high level of resilience among the inhabitants of Kibera.