Assessing The Socio-Economic Factors Influencing Youth Engagement in The Renewable Energy Sector in Kisumu County (2015-2023)
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Date
2024
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Publisher
Daystar University, School of Arts and Social Sciences
Abstract
This study explored the socio-economic factors influencing youth engagement in the renewable energy sector in Kisumu County between 2015 and 2023. Despite significant progress in renewable energy initiatives aligning with local climate policies and sustainable development goals, youth participation remains limited due to several challenges. These barriers include inadequate access to renewable energy education and training, limited financial mechanisms for supporting youth-led initiatives, and minimal opportunities for youth involvement in policy development. The research aimed to address these gaps by investigating three key areas: (1) education and training challenges faced by youth in the renewable energy sector, (2) the impact of limited financing on youth-led renewable energy projects, and (3) the extent of youth participation in policy development and implementation. As informed by Constructivism and Sustainable Development Theoretical frameworks, this study analyzed the role of societal norms and global environmental discourses in shaping youth engagement at the county level. Constructivism was applied to understand how societal norms are internalized by local actors in Kisumu’s renewable energy sector, while Sustainable Development Theory examined the interplay between economic, social, and environmental factors in shaping policy outcomes. These frameworks supported an analysis of how renewable energy initiatives simultaneously contribute to sustainable development and address youth engagement barriers. The study employed a qualitative case study research design, utilizing in-depth interviews and focus group discussions with youth, educators, policymakers, and representatives from financial institutions and NGOs. The study population consisted of youth aged 18-35, along with key renewable energy actors in education, training, financing, and policy development. Purposive and snowball sampling techniques were used to select the participants with relevant insights to contribute to the study objectives. Thematic analysis was used to identify patterns and themes emerging from the data. The study findings indicate that access to education and training, lack of financing options and limited participation in policy hamper the engagement of young people in the renewable energy sector. Specifically, societal norms and perceptions define societal behavior towards youth. They are seen as inexperienced and high-risk individuals hence challenged in participating in policy discussions and subsequently cannot be financed for their ventures. This discrimination based on age limits the economic potential of Kisumu County as the vibrant and productive workforce remains underutilized and unemployed. The study also highlighted age based and entry-based challenges of youth participation in policy making in the sector. It was observed that Societal biases that form the basis of this discrimination against young people exacerbate the exclusion of the youthful workforce missing out on opportunities to advance their innovations and solutions for a just energy transition. The recommendations from the findings center socio-cultural and institutional reforms to allow for meaningful youth engagement
Description
MASTER OF ARTS in Diplomacy, Development, and International Security
Keywords
Socio-economic factors, Youth engagement, Renewable energy sector, Sustainable development goals
Citation
Masava, E. L. (2024). Assessing The Socio-Economic Factors Influencing Youth Engagement in The Renewable Energy Sector in Kisumu County (2015-2023). Daystar University, School of Arts and Social Sciences