Barriers to Climate Adaptation by Renewable Energy Enterprises in Kenya

Abstract

Most prior research on climate adaptation focuses on increasing awareness on climate changes in discussing how climatic changes should be at a center stage for developing policy and laws. Most prior research dwelt on generation of awareness about changing climates and the increasing research has been happening in the area of climate adaptation, though most renewable energy enterprises in Kenya have remained not adaptive and ignorant of the mitigations. The renewable energy enterprises in Kenya and the private sector have not actively been participating in the area of climate adaptation. This research aimed to deepen knowledge on the barriers to adaptation of the climatic changes and accompanying solutions by the renewable energy enterprises in Kenya in ensuring a sustainable environment. The objective of this paper is to present the results and main gaps from a systematic review of literature together with empirical studies based on the exploration of major renewable energy enterprises in Kenya roles in climate adaptation. The research drew upon both primary and secondary sources including journals, memoirs, published papers, letters and a collection of primary sources within the scope of study. The overall approach of this research was inductive whereby it was concerned with the creation of new body of knowledge from the data that was generated and tested scientifically. The researcher also analyzed the articles published between 2011 and 2015 on climate changes, adaptation and sustainability of climatic solutions. The key findings were that many barriers exist ranging from finance for participations in forums, lack of awareness on the topic, ignorance/illiteracy on the part of participants, lack of ownership of the topical area, poverty, lack of relevant policies etc. It was then concluded that this topical area is of greater importance in this era and therefore more studies need to be done in this area by researchers in developing lasting solutions. Key recommendations from this study include a sustained effort from both the private sector, civil societies, environmental and the government in supporting solutions to climate adaptation which include financing, informing policy solutions, trainings and provision of information through forums etc.