Abstract:
Abstract
Universities serve as a hub in knowledge generation which is the main driver for a sustainable economic growth.
The National Environment Management Authority (NEMA) continues to foster a green development pathway for
Kenya. Maasai Mara University being a public university in Narok County it is expected to influence the
community in knowledge sharing and dissemination on various research outputs. Through the establishment of the
Center for Innovation, New and Renewable Energy, Maasai Mara University has facilitated the use of green energy.
With only 46% of the Kenyan households having access to electricity, 54% of the population make use of nonrenewable energy sources for their daily needs. This means that most Kenyans continue to use non-renewable
energy presumably due to lack of knowledge for an alternative. Narok County counted as a marginalized county
in Kenya, benefited from International Development Association (IDA) where $150 million grant was issued via
the World Bank to promote access to modern energy. The Kenyan government through Rural Electrification
Programme, has come up with the National Electricity Policy aimed at increasing the deployment of renewable
energy. With such concerns, there is need to determine whether or not universities actualize their role of sharing
information including that of renewable energy to the community. This study adopted a descriptive survey design.
The target population was 11,776 households in Narok Town sublocation. With the use of stratified sampling
technique, the sample size used in the study was 4122 households being 35% of the number of households in the
area. Primary data was collected using open ended and closed questionnaire. The study revealed that 56.6% of the
Narok Town residents were not aware of renewable energy sources. Only 17.6% of the households were able to
be influenced on green energy choices by Centre for Innovation, New and Renewable Energy at Maasai Mara
University. The study further indicates that 47.9% of the households would prefer seminars as the appropriate
method. For universities to share knowledge on renewable energy. The study therefore recommends that
Institutions of higher learning should be on the forefront to influence green energy to surrounding communities.
Keywords: Universities; Knowledge Sharing; Renewable Energy; Maasai Mara University
