ENERGY

Energy refers to the power or fuel required to run machines to assist human being to produce
their means of survival.
TYPES AND SOURCES OF ENERGY
The sources of energy are classified into categories namely:
a) Renewable sources of energy
b) Non-renewable sources of energy.
(a) RENEWABLE SOURCES OF ENERGY
It refers to the sources of energy that have the natural ability to reappear after being in use,
through quick recycling.
Renewable sources have ability to regenerate by recycling itself naturally.
These sources of energy can be regenerated and used over and over again because they
are inexhaustible.

SOURCES AND TYPES OF RENEWABLE ENERGY

Examples of renewable sources of energy include;

Renewable sources of Type of energy

energy
1 Sun Solar energy
2 water Hydro electric power/energy
3 Wind Wind energy
4 Sea tides Tidal energy
5 Sea waves Wave energy
6 Water from geysers Geothermal energy
7. Biomass Biogas
8 Trees/wood/plants Charcoal energy
9 Trees/Wood/plants Fuel wood
1 Draught animals Animal traction/draught animals
0

1 SOLAR ENERGY

This is the energy from the sun.

The sun is the primary source of all types of energy.
It is tapped by the use of special photo cells such as the solar panels.
 The photo cells convert light energy from the sun to electrical and heat energy.

a. Heat energy
Solar panels are used to tap solar energy which is then used to heat water in coiled pipes
which are painted black inside.
Mirrors are used to concentrate rays of the sun on one spot which are then used to heat
water or cook food in a pot.
Sun rays are reflected and focused on crops to dry them.

b. Electric energy
Photo- voltaic cells are used which when sunlight shines on them they generate electricity
which is then stored in batteries.
Advantages of Solar Energy
It is cheap because it’s obtained from sunlight which is absolutely free.
It requires minimal maintenance once tapping equipment has been installed.
It is clean and environment friendly form of energy
It is inexhaustible source of energy/renewable.
It is readily available
It is safe and easy to use
It can be stored in batteries to be used later at night when there is no sunlight
Solar energy can be used in a variety of ways such as simple light bulbs, solar cars and
satellite.

Disadvantages of Solar Energy

Solar energy is inadequate to run heavy machinery.
Solar panels are expensive to buy.
The storage batteries are cumbersome to carry and must be replaced quite often
Solar output fluctuates in various seasons throughout the year.
Solar technology is relatively new as most people use solar because they have no access
to electricity.
Factors hindering the development of solar energy in Kenya
Difficult to store solar energy as it can only be stored in small portable batteries
The cost of producing the equipment required for large scale solar energy production is
high
The sophisticated technology require to produce the equipment for solar energy is
inadequate
 2. WIND ENERGY
Wind is a moving air.
Wind energy is the energy derived from a moving air
Wind energy is mainly used in arid and semi-arid areas where wind flow is not obstructed by
vegetation.
Wind is harvested using wind mills and converted into mechanical energy.

Uses of wind energy

Energy from wind is used for pumping water.
It can be used for grinding grain
It can be used to generate electricity.
Wind energy is also used to propel ocean going vessels such dhows.

Advantages of using wind energy

It is cheap since its absolutely free
It can be produced in small scale for local consumption.
Land occupied by the wind mills can also be used for crop cultivation.
It is an inexhaustible/renewable source of energy.
It is clean and environment friendly form of energy

Disadvantages/ Problems associated with the use of wind energy

Production of wind energy fluctuates when the strength and direction of wind changes.
The large tracts of land is required (wind farms) which alter the beauty of the landscape.
It’s not available in many areas except in open areas.
It is expensive to acquire and install wind mills for harvesting wind energy.
Many windmills are required to provide a significant amount of electrical energy.

3. ENERGY OBTAINED FROM WATER

a. Geothermal Power
It is the energy generated from Earths internal heat that reaches the surface through geysers
or hot springs
Steam from underground is heated when comes in contact with hot rocks.
The steam finds its way to the surface through fissures or cracks.
The steam is tapped and used to turn turbines and thus generate electricity such as being
done Olkaria- Kenya.
Advantages of geothermal power
Geothermal power is cheaper compared to other sources of energy as no fuel is required to
turn turbines.
The generation of power is continuous as water can be pumped back to generate more
steam.
 It is a clean form of energy.
It’s inexhaustible unlike hydro-power which depends on water levels.
The cost of operating geothermal power station is low compared to hydro-power station.
It is a good supplement to other sources of energy such as fossil fuels.

Disadvantages of geothermal power

It causes noise pollution from generation plant.
It is only limited to areas with hot springs and geysers.
Gases such as sulphur dioxide, hydrogen sulphide, methane and ammonia released with
steam may pollute the environment.
Its exploration is expensive because it requires expensive technology.
Pressure from steam in some sites is insufficient to turn the turbines.

Reasons why Kenya has not been able to fully exploit her geothermal Potential.
Inadequate capital to develop more geothermal plants in Olkaria and other potential areas.
Potential areas are scattered and located in remote areas which are far from the market.
Low level of technology in exploitation of geothermal power
Inadequately skilled manpower to harness geothermal power.
Danger of land subsidence as tectonic fluids is withdrawn.

Potential sites in Kenya where geothermal power could be harnessed -

Lake Bogoria
Eburu near Naivasha
Olkaria.
Menengai caldera

b. Hydro-Electric power(H.E.P)
It is the energy derived from falling water.
The water turns the turbines and mills
It is most widely used renewable source of energy.
Falling water is used to generate electricity (HEP) when directed to turn turbines connected to
generators to produce electricity.
Advantages of hydro power
It is a clean form of energy since it is a non-pollutant.
It is renewable/ inexhaustible source of energy.
It is relatively cheaper source of energy compared to other sources such as fossil fuels.
It is easy to use; only switching is required
HEP is convenient to use in a variety of ways such as cooking and lighting.
It is adjustable to any fraction of energy using transformers.
 Disadvantages of H.E.P
Affected by fluctuation of water levels in reservoirs.
Construction of HEP generation dams displaces many people.
It causes inconvenience to migratory species of fish.
The cost of constructing and running hydro-power plants is high.
Dams may break and cause loss of property and lives downstream.

c. Tides and Waves

Tides are used to generate tidal energy while waves are used to generate wave energy
Dams are built across an estuary.
Incoming and outgoing tides rotate turbines and electricity is generated in similar way as
hydro-power.
i) Tidal Energy
It is a source of energy derived from ocean tides.
Advantages
It is relatively cheap since it is absolutely free.
Tides are renewable source of energy.
Disadvantages
The sites are limited to a few estuaries and bays with very high tides.
It is expensive to establish the equipment.
Tidal energy is inadequate to meet the high demand for energy
Inadequate skilled manpower in the harnessing of wave energy.
Production is limited to the presence of strong sea tides

ii) Wave Energy

This is the power derived from strong sea waves set in motion by wind.
Advantages of using wave energy
The established stations act as wind breakers calming the sea.
There is control of soil erosion on the mainland
It is cheap since its absolutely free
Its clean since it does not pollute environment
Disadvantages of using wave energy
It is expensive to establish the equipment.
Generation is dangerous in areas with incidences of storms cyclones and hurricanes.
Production is limited to the presence of strong waves.
Wave energy is inadequate to meet the high demand for energy
Inadequate skilled manpower in the harnessing of wave energy

4. BIOMASS
All forms of energy released by plants and animal wastes.
 i. Wood fuel
It refers to Firewood and sawdust which are used for cooking and heating
It can be exhausted if it’s cut at a higher rate than they are being replaced. So it requires
management if it has to be sustained.
Advantages of Wood
(a) It’s a cheap source of energy.
(b) Available almost throughout the world.
(c) No maintenance cost is needed.
(d) Ashes from burned firewood can be used for plastering houses and used as fertilizer.

ii. Charcoal energy

It is a source of energy produced when wood is burnt with insufficient oxygen to support
combustion.
Advantages of using charcoal.
It is a renewable source of energy.
It is relatively cheap
It is readily available due continued planting of trees.
Disadvantages using charcoal.
It causes depletion of the forests causing soil erosion, global warming and water shortage.
It produces gases such as carbon monoxide causing pollution.
Dirty because when burning it gives off smoke and soot.
Requires a large storage area.

iii. Power Alcohol

Agricultural wastes such as straw, molasses and cassava are fermented to produce power
alcohol which is directly used to heat or blended with gasoline to run machines.
iv. Biogas
Human and animal wastes are used to produce methane (biogas) through fermentation
which is used for cooking and lighting.
Uses of biogas.
Used in heating and lighting.
It produces other useful products such ethanol, gasohol, methane and biogas.
Major plants for the production of Biogas in Kenya
Nderu in Kiambu
Ngong Biogas project at Ngong
Advantages of Biogas
An inexhaustible source of energy.
Fuels are efficient and relatively clean.
Cheap because it makes use of waste products.
 Slurry left behind when biogas is being made can be used as fertilizer.

Disadvantages
(a) Biogas digesters require a lot of space.
(b) Gases such as methane contribute to pollution which causes global warming.

5. DRAUGHT ANIMALS
Examples of Animals and Their Uses
(a) Oxen for ploughing and pulling carts.
(b) Horses for transporting by riding on their backs.
(c) Donkey for transporting of goods on their backs or by pulling carts.
(d) Camel for transporting goods and people on their backs.
(e) Elephant in Burma and India for transporting logs from forests
Advantages of using draught animals
Inexhaustible because animals keep multiplying as a result of production.
Available in all parts of the world.
Cheap to maintain as they only require food and water.
Animals are flexible because they are able go through forests and narrow paths unlike motor
vehicles.
Some are slaughtered for meat when they outlive their usefulness e.g. oxen, camels etc.
Disadvantages using draught animals
(a) They are prone to diseases and fatigue.
(b) They can die as a result of too much work.
(c) Their use is restricted only to rural areas.
(d) They can only transport small loads.
(e) They can only do limited work because they tire easily.

(B) NON-RENEWABLE SOURCES OF ENERGY

Sources of energy which are exhaustible if there use is mismanaged
They include fossil fuels such as petroleum, coal, natural gas, peat and uranium.
1. Coal
Coal is a black or brown rock made of carbon formed million of years ago from the
compression of vegetative matter.
Mud, sand and other materials are deposited over vegetative matter such as tree trunks and
branches.
Deposited material prevents decomposition and also exerts pressure on it causing great
heat.
Peat layers are formed which gradually change into coal.
Types of coal
Anthracite
Lignite/Brown
Bituminous coal
 Graphite
Reasons why the use of coal as a source of energy has declined
It’s dirty and pollutes the environment compared to other sources of energy.
It is bulky and cumbersome to transport
The discovery of other forms of energy such as hydro power which is clean
High operation costs in the mining of coal.
Increased use of other sources of energy such as hydro power, petroleum , solar and nuclear
Exhaustion of coal fields/depletion of coal fields.
Inadequate capital to invest in the search for coal fields
Advantages of Coal
(a) More efficient in thermal generation of electricity than oil.

Disadvantages of coal as a source of energy.

Coal is bulky making it difficult and costly to transport
It contribute a lot to air pollution through soot and smoke
It has low caloric value.
It is exhaustible source of energy
It causes a lot of environmental degradation during mining by leaving ugly cars on the
landscape
It leaves a lot of dirt on any surface it touches.

2. Petroleum
It refers to oil delivered from the rock.
Formed from fossils that have been trapped between rock sediments where heat and
pressure transform the fossils into oil fuel.
Consists of gaseous and liquid hydrocarbons from animal and vegetation matter laid on
sedimentary rocks.
Natural gas and petroleum are extracted from the same oil wells.
Natural gas occurs alone or is found on the upper layers of crude oil.
It’s a mixture of hydrocarbons with methane making about 90% and other gases such as
propane, ethane and butane.
It’s used for domestic
purposes, generation of thermal electricity and for industrial activities.
By-products obtained when crude oil is refined.
Wax Lubricants
Sulphur Bitumen/tar
Resin/petro-chemicals

Advantages of using petroleum.

(a) Cheap to transport by pipes to distant areas.
(b) Transport and maintenance costs are low.
(c) Easy to use as one needs only switches and burners.
(d) Free of the effects of weather changes.
Disadvantages using petroleum
(a) An exhaustible source of energy.
(b) Accidental fires can occur in case the gas leaks or the pipe is damaged.
(c) It can greatly pollute the environment in case of accidental fires occurrence.
(d) Expensive for low income groups.
Uses of petroleum
It provides fuel such as diesel, petrol for transportation.
It provide lubricants such as grease for smoothen operation of machines
Kerosene is used in heating and lighting
Oil is used for production of geothermal power.

Ways in which Kenya can reduce overdependence on imported oil

Developing and alternative sources of energy such as geothermal and hydro electric power
Increasing importation of bulky Hydro electric power from Uganda to add to the national grid
Improvement and expansion of road network to ensure easy flow of traffic to reduce fuel
consumption
Contacting foreign investors to explore oil in Kenya
Encouraging people to use of bicycle over short distances done by lowering /eliminating
tariffs
Encouraging people to walk short distances
Importing vehicles that consume less fuel efficient vehicles to ration the use of oil
Use of energy saving devices to reduce consumption of oil.
Use of public transport as opposed to private vehicles by commuters.

3. Nuclear energy
It is the energy derived from alteration of atomic structures in the radio-active minerals such
as uranium.
In the process heat is released and is used to produce steam which generate electricity
Also known as atomic energy.
Countries of the world that have established nuclear energy plants.
USA France Japan Canada
Russia Britain Germany South Africa

Uses of nuclear energy.

Generation of electricity
Production of heat
Making atomic weapons.
Advantages of using Uranium/nuclear energy
It occurs in huge reserves
It produces large amounts of energy compared to other sources of energy.
It has a longer life time compared to other non –renewable sources of energy

Disadvantages using nuclear energy

(a) It’s expensive to construct a nuclear reactor.
(b) Wastes from a nuclear power station are difficult to dispose.
(c) It is an exhaustible source of energy.
(d) It can cause accidents in case of leakage in the nuclear reactors

Reasons why nuclear power is lacking in most developing countries

Inadequate skilled personnel in most developing countries to venture into nuclear energy.
Limitations and supervision by big nuclear power producers who fear proliferation.
Inadequate capital in most of the developing countries to invest in nuclear power plant
Large scale producers of nuclear power fear that developing countries may abuse nuclear
power by producing weapons.
Nuclear plants take long to build compared to other power projects such as hydro power
which may be completed much faster.
Nuclear reactors have short life span of 25 years and construction of one is uneconomical.

HYDRO ELECTRIC POWER PROJECTS IN KENYA

Factors favouring development of Hydro electric power
Physical factors influencing the establishment of Hydro electric power
Presence of hard basement rocks to provide a firm foundation for the construction of the
dam
Presence of impervious rock reduces the amount of water lost through seepage into the
ground
Presence of steep river gradient/water falls to provide sufficient hydraulic force to rotate
turbines for generation of electricity.
Presence of a deep and narrow gorge to minimize the cost incurred in the construction of
the dam.
Constant supply of water to ensure continuous generation of electricity.

Human factors influencing the establishment of Hydro electric power

Adequate capital is required for construction, power transmission, maintenance of the
power station and compensation of the displaced people.
Availability of large domestic and industrial market in the surrounding areas to make use
of the power being generated to make the project economical.
Sparse population to minimize on the cost of relocating the people being displaced
DEVELOPMENT OF HYDRO ELECTRIC POWER IN KENYA
By the dawn of independence there was few industries and hence low demand for
electricity.
Few Hydro Electric Power stations available were set up to supply power for agricultural
processing.
The earliest stations were Mesco on R. Maragua, Ndula on R. Thika and Sagana on R.
Sagana.
The rest of power supply came from diesel plants in Kipevu.
There was power which was being imported from Uganda which was connected in 1955.
Demand for electricity increased as more industries were established.
The country opted to use her water resources to provide electricity and reduce her reliance
on power from Uganda.
R. Tana was identified as the one with the largest potential.
Seven sites appearing as a cascade were identified along the river where the Seven Forks
Scheme was launched.

MAIN HYDRO ELECTRIC POWER STATIONS

Kindaruma was the first project to be established which was completed in 1968.
Kamburu followed which was completed in 1974.
Gitaru was next which got completed in 1978.
Masinga which is a multipurpose project was completed in 1981. It has the largest lake. It’s a
reservoir for the rest of the dams downstream and the water is also used to provide water
for irrigation.
Kiambere was the last station downstream completed in 1988.
Other power stations are proposed and yet to be completed at the Seven Forks project. They
are Mutonga and Grand Falls.
The other HEP stations are Turkwel Gorge on R. Turkwel which was completed in 1991 and
Sondu- Miriu which was expected to be completed in [Link]’s the main source of electricity
 accounting for 72% of power production.
The stations are maintained by Ken Gen which sells power to KPLC (Kenya Power and
Lighting Company) which distributes it to consumers at a fee.

Other benefits of the Seven Folk scheme, dams and reservoirs along River
Tana River Projects
1. The reservoirs provide water for irrigation thus improving agricultural production in the
region.
2. The scheme has provided power for the development of industries thus creating
employment opportunities.
3. The dams act as bridges across the river thus reducing the distance by road round the
reservoirs.
4. The dams and the reservoirs are a tourist attraction which generates foreign exchange
for the country.
5. The reservoirs are fresh water fisheries which supply fish which is a cheap source
protein to the local people.
6. The reservoirs modify the local climate thus regulating the temperature of the
surrounding areas.
7. The reservoirs and dams control floods in the lower parts of River Tana thus reducing
the incidences of loss of life and form produce in the areas.

Problems affecting the production of power from stations along Tana River
Projects
1. Inadequate capital for maintenance of machinery, dredging and expansion of the
project.
2. Fluctuation of the water levels in the reservoirs due to drought in the catchment areas
reduces the energy to drive the turbines hindering production of power.
3. Siltation of reservoirs reduces the capacity of the reservoirs leading to a low volume of
water prompting constant dredging is which is expensive.
4. Inadequate skills and technology for expansion of the seven folk schemes has led to
under utilization of the potential areas along river Tana.
HYDRO ELECTRIC POWER PROJECTS IN AFRICA
Africa has the largest concentration and potential areas of HEP generation. The potential
however has not been utilized fully.

Name of the River

power project
Aswan River Nile
Kariba River
Zambezi
Kainji River Niger
Akosombo River Volta
Cabora Bassa River
Zambezi
Owen Falls River Nile
Sennar River Nile
Vanderkloof River Orange
Inga River Congo
Marinel River Congo
Some of the major projects in Afric a
are:
Reason why tropical African countries are insufficient in Hydro Power
production/
Reasons why tropical African countries have not fully exploited its hydro
power
Inadequate skilled manpower and the technological-know how to construct and maintain the
equipment for the generation of hydro power.
Most of the rivers in potential sites are seasonal hence inconsistent supply of water for the
generation of electricity.
In most of the potential river experience a lot of siltation on the river beds making them
shallow and unsuitable for the power generation.
Unreliable rainfall in most parts of Africa causing fluctuation of water levels in the reservoirs.
Low industrialization levels among some African countries make it uneconomical to
generate hydro power due to low demand.
Inadequate capital to construct the dams and purchase the required equipment making the
countries seek external borrowing which is paid for many years overburdening the
countries
Lack of natural potential sites such as waterfalls and rapids to provide the hydraulic force
required to generate power.
Some of the potential sites are located in remote areas away from the market such as dense
population and industries.

Some of the dams and reservoirs in Africa include;

1. Kariba Dam
It is built across River Zambezi in Kariba Gorge forming Lake Kariba reservoir.
It is shared between Zambia and Zimbabwe.

Benefits of Kariba hydro Electric power project

The project provide hydro electric power used in the copper mines and the smelting
industries.
The dam and the reservoir control floods down the river Zambezi.
The dam is tourist attraction earning the country’s foreign exchange.
The reservoir forms an inland fishing ground.
The lake provides water for irrigation.

2. Akosombo Dam
It is located at River Volta in Ghana.
It provide the electric power to the major towns such as Tema Takoradi, Accra and
Kumasi
The power is used in smelting aluminium at Akosombo.
 Some of the power is exported to neighbouring countries earnings foreign exchange.

HYDRO-ELECTRIC POWER PROJECTS IN UGANDA

Uganda has the largest renewable fresh water resources in E. Africa at Owen Falls Dam
It is endowed with numerous rivers and lakes with high potential of electricity generation.
R. Nile which flows out of L. Victoria has the highest potential as it has provided a natural
water fall.
Owen Falls Dam was built on the site in 1954 and is the Africa’s largest storage dam.
It supplies most of Uganda’s electricity (162MW) and exports 30MW to Kenya.
The presence of power was a catalyst to industrial development such as Jinja town a few
metres from the dam became a scene of several industries to use the cheap electricity
nearby.
The country is developing another power station below the Owen Falls.
Kikagat River to the south provides power around Mutukula and Kabale areas in S.W
Uganda.
Mobuku River supplies most of the power used in the copper mines at Kilembe.
Factors that influenced location of Owen falls project.
Presence of hard basement rock for a firm foundation.
Presence of Owen falls provide a natural water fall from where power is generated
Availability of space for the creation of the reservoir.
Constant volume of water supplied by numerous permanent rivers and the [Link].
Large local market as well as foreign market such as Kenya for its HEP.
Adequate capital for the investment in the project.

Benefits of Owen falls power projects to Uganda.

Electricity produced has led to industrial development in towns like Jinja and Kampala
It has led to development of transport network of roads and railway.
It has reduced the Uganda’s dependence on diesel powered energy generators.
Created employment opportunities thus raising the living standards of people
Area attract tourists hence country earns foreign exchange.
It has led to stimulation of agriculture as it has resulted in the processing of agricultural
products.
Electricity produced is used for domestic purposes such as heating and lighting.
The country earns foreign exchange from the sale of electricity to Kenya.

GEOTHERMAL POWER PROJECTS IN KENYA

Geothermal power is the power derived from the superheated magmatic water within the
earth crust.
Geothermal electricity is generated in areas which experience volcanic activities where;
Magma or hot rocks come into contact with percolating water.
The water is heated beyond its boiling point (superheated).
The steam escapes through cracks and holes to the surface
 The steam is harnessed using pipes and used to turn turbines that drive electric
generators.
In Kenya areas with the greatest potential for geothermal power are found within the Rift
Valley from L. Magadi to L. Turkana on Kenya-Ethiopia border.
Geothermal power generation is carried out at Olkaria to the south of Naivasha.
It accounts for 10% of the country’s power needs.
Other potential areas are:
L. Bogoria which has the highest potential with numerous hot springs and geysers by it
shores and Eburu to the north of L. Naivasha .Menengai crater region and areas
around L. Baringo and Lake Magadi.

Reason why the Kenya government has invested in geothermal power.

To diversify on the sources of power in order to meet both industrial and domestic demand
for power in the country
It is cheaper to generate power in the long run as since no actual fuel is used to turn the
turbines.
Geothermal power has helped to reduce overdependence on exhaustible source of energy
such as fossil fuels.
The cost of operating geothermal plant is relatively low compared to hydro electric power
stations.
Geothermal power can be supplied consistently since steam is constantly released unlike
hydro electric power which relies so much on levels of water in the reservoirs

Problems facing development and availability of energy in Kenya

The main aim of developing energy in Kenya is to reduce overdependence on imported oil.
Some of the challenges facing the country in its attempts to develop sources of energy are;
Inadequate capital to invest in power generation forcing the country to seek external
borrowing with huge interest which overburdens the country.
Inadequate market for power because of the high cost of connection which prevents its
horizontal spread.
Seasonal fluctuation of water levels in the reservoirs due to low rainfall on catchment areas
leading to power rationing.
Regular siltation of dams due to deposition of soil which requires regular dredging which is
quite expensive.
Location of some power generation plants in remote areas making it expensive to transmit
power for long distances.
There is limited spread of solar power in rural areas because the equipment is expensive to
install and limited acceptance because it fluctuates with seasons.
There is lack of acceptance of wind power and many people use diesel to pump water
instead of wind mills
Overexploitation of wood fuel as a result of population increase leading to deforestation
causing soil erosion and reduced amounts of rainfall.
Inadequate technology and skilled manpower to exploit the sources of energy such as
geothermal power, wind power and biomass.

Significance of Energy to economy of a country.

Wood and charcoal forms the largest source of energy used domestic cooking and heating.
 Hydro electric power and petroleum are used in industries to run machines to transform raw
materials to finished goods thus promoting industrialization.
Petroleum is used in transport sector to run motor vehicles engines to facilitate movement
from one place to another
Diesel is used in the agricultural sector to drive tractors which draw ploughs and hydro power
run milking machines in dairy farms.
Energy is used to supply water where diesel engines, wind mills and solar power is used to
pump water for domestic and industrial uses.
Energy is used to run X-Ray and scanning machines in hospitals for diagnosis and in
refrigeration to preserve specimens on medicine research.

Ways in which power outages/shortage resulting from droughts in Kenya

affect industrial sector in Kenya
It leads to closure of some industries causing unemployment
It leads to early retirement/redundancy/unemployment.
It leads to increase in the cost of electricity /purchase and use of generators
It leads to power rationing which slows down the rate of production
THE ENERGY/OIL CRISIS
Energy crisis refers to a situation where the prices of fossil fuels rise uncontrollably as a
result of the short supply with increasing demand for the fossil fuels.
It is the price and supply uncertainties that usually accompanies the rapid depletion of fossil
fuels
Energy crisis is the global increase in the oil prices causing serious economic problems.

Causes of energy crisis

There is high demand for oil.
There are embargoes /control of oil production by oil producing countries.
There is unequal natural patterns of crude oil occurrence
There is political instability /wars in some of the oil producing countries
There is deregulation of oil prices by oil suppliers
Examples of Energy Crisis in the Past
1973 and 1974 when there was war between Israel and Arab countries which are OPEC
members withheld oil supply to Israeli supporting countries such as USA and the result low
supply and hgh demand for oil led to sharp increase in oil prices.
1991 first Persian Gulf war triggered by Iraq invasion of Kuwait where Iraq claimed that Kuwait
was its territory, Kuwait was taking oil from Iraq’s oil from Rumaila fields which lay beneath
both countries and that Kuwait was exceeding the oil production limits set by OPEC.
Many Kuwait’s oil fields were set on fire and Iraq dumped about 465 m gallons of Kuwait’s
crude oil to the Persian Gulf.
There resulted low supply of oil from Middle East countries leading to a major oil crisis
which was worsened by the trade embargos/restrictions.
2003 second Persian Gulf War. Iraq had failed to destroy weapons of mass destruction which
she had agreed to do for the 1991 war to end. The war led to a rapid increase in oil prices from
 US$35 at the start of war to US $50 by 2004. It forced OPEC members to increase daily crude
oil outputs by 8% to stabilize prices.

Effects/Impact of Energy Crisis on economies of countries

The increase in the prices of crude oil makes countries to spend more of their foreign
exchange in importation of oil thus slowing down the rate of economic growth.
Increase in oil prices triggers the increase in the prices of commodities due to high cost
of production leading to high cost of living.
Industries relying heavily on by products of petroleum may collapse leading to job
redundancy and unemployment in the country
Increases in oil prices leads to increases the cost of production of finished goods thus
increasing the prices of farm inputs which in turn lead to reduced agricultural
production/leads to food crisis.
Rise in prices of oil leads to high demand for charcoal and firewood which leads to soil
erosion and low amount of rainfall causing environmental degradation.
High oil prices increases freight charges making it very expensive to travel by air leading
to a decline in the number of tourists.
The high cost of fuels increases the cost of production slowing down industrial growth.
Oil crisis leads to scarcity of by-products of oil leading to shortage of raw material for
certain industries.
Increase in fuel prices leads to increased transport costs which trigger price increases in
almost all the sectors of the economy.
Countries with oil potential have started exploring for oil reserves so as to stop
importation of petroleum.

Solutions the effects of energy crisis

(a) Developing alternative sources of energy such as solar, biomass, Geothermal and
Hydro power.
(b) Encouraging people to manage and conserve the available energy resources.
(c) Developing nuclear energy to enhance self sufficiency in energy provision.
(d) Encouraging industries to use coal which is slightly cheaper than petroleum.

MANAGEMENT AND CONSERVATION OF ENERGY

Management of energy refers to the effective planning and control of available energy
resources while Conservation of energy refers to the using available energy resources in
the most effective manner to avoid waste and depletion thus ensuring sustainable utilization
of the resources.

Measures taken by the Kenya government to manage and conserve of

energy
Encouraging people to use of public transport/use bicycle to reduce the number of vehicle
on the road thus reducing energy consumption.
Encouraging people to use renewable sources of energy such as solar, wind and biogas
to reduce overreliance on fossil fuels.
Developing and encouraging the use energy saving technologies to reduce high
consumption of energy.
Discouraging importation of high fuel consumption vehicles through taxation to reduce
amount of fuel used.
Enforcing legislation against indiscriminate cutting down of trees for fuel thus conserving
the existing resources such as forests.
Progressive taxation on energy consumption so as to discourage the misuse of energy.
 Proper planning of road network in urban areas to reduce traffic jam hence saving on fuel
consumption.
Encourage afforestation and reforestation programmes for continuous supply of wood
fuel.
Educating the public on careful use energy such as switching off electric gadgets when
not in use in order to save energy.

Effects of liberalisation of oil industry in Kenya

It has created variation in prices of petroleum products
It has led to mushrooming of many petroleum products dealers
It has encouraged importation of refined petroleum products
It has caused frequent price adjustments by oil dealers
It has created widespread availability of petroleum products