An Assessment of New Product Development Process: Development and Use of Wind As An Alternative Source Of Energy In Kenya.

Abstract

The purpose of this article is to examine the new product development (NPD) process in the development and use of wind as alternative source of energy in Kenya, using the Kenya Electricity Generating Company (KenGen) as an illustrative case study. The objectives of the research were: to ascertain first whether the NPD process is in existence in the energy sector; secondly, what has necessitated the adoption of the NPD process in the energy sector and third, to assess the NPD approach and challenges facing KenGen to generate alternative source of energy. The total population under scrutiny was 112 members of staff in KenGen that were divided into three categories; support, technical and management staff. The study used a survey and interview design to assess the NPD process at KenGen. In the study, the researchers employed both primary and secondary sources of data to be able to gather constructive data used to illustrate the findings. A well structured questionnaire was administered to a sample of the total population under scrutiny to collect primary data. The secondary data source was mainly from research books, internet, reports and strategic plans from the institution and other energy bodies such as the MoE, Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC), Independent Power Producers (IPPs), Kenya Power and Lighting Company (KPLC) among others. A sample was established using a combination of cluster and simple random sampling techniques. Out of this procedure the sample size was made of 112 elements of which 50 were successful in completing the questionnaire sent out. The Microsoft Excel Package was used to code the data collected from the field after it had been collated and verified. Analysis was done using descriptive and inferential statistical methods to make conclusions about the NPD process at KenGen. The findings enabled the study to reach the conclusion that NPD process approach is not fully adopted at KenGen in the development of wind energy, thus some of the process steps are skipped. The study also reached the conclusion that KenGen lacks sufficient funding among others slowing down the development of wind energy. The aspect of funds is also viewed as a key impediment to NPD process and thus limiting its expected outcomes.

Key words: New product development, wind energy; renewable energy