Transforming Sugarcane By-Products into a Sustainable Energy Source in Kenya: Strategic and Managerial Implications

Abstract

This article discusses how conventional energy sources based on oil, coal, and natural gas have proven to be highly effective drivers of economic progress, but at the same time damaging to the environment and to human health besides being cyclical in nature, due to the effects of oligopoly in production and distribution. These traditional fossil fuel-based energy sources are now facing increasing pressure globally from a host of environmental fronts hence need to study alternative sources. The main objectives of this article will be determination of how different factors will influence the adoption and use of sugar cane by products as source of sustainable energy and relevant managerial implications influencing management decisions.  The study adopted a cross-sectional descriptive research design in which qualitative and quantitative data will be collected. The target populations were  employees’ of Mumias Sugar Company in Kenya. A random sample of 63 employees at the sugar Company was  selected through stratified sampling. Questionnaires and personal interviews was used to collect primary data from respondents. Secondary data was gathered from Mumias Sugar Company (MSC) and other sources. The study collected both primary and secondary data.  Before the questionnaires were finally administered to participants, pre-testing was carried out to ensure that the questions were relevant, clearly understandable and made sense. Quantitative data collected was analyzed using descriptive statistics. The study  also covered methods used for data collection that involved observation, questionnaires and interviews. Data analysis methods included manipulation of data into a structural form suitable for descriptive analysis through SPSS software.

Key words: Sustainable energy, sugarcane by-products, renewable energy