Interest in biogas and other Renewable Energy Technologies (RETS) increased tremendously then, and
pilot projects involving many plant designs were initiated and demonstration units setup mainly in
institutes and colleges.
Most of these projects, however, failed due to poor design, incorrect operation methods and poor
maintenance.
There was rapid growth in the field of biogas technology development and dissemination in Kenya
between 1980 and 1990. About 300 plants were installed during this period mainly by the Special
Energy Programme (SEP) - Kenya and the Ministry of Energy and Regional Development (MOERD).
Despite this, the rate of dissemination has decreased remarkably since the beginning of this decade
although several government agencies and a few private companies and individuals have continued to
promote the technology.
Chapter Three
DEFINITION OF THE PROBLEM
The survey that preceded the writing of this publication was designed to assess and advise on the
viability of biogas technology as a source of energy in rural parts of Kenya. Investigations were carried
out to identify:
• organisations promoting and disseminating biogas technology in Kenya
• types of biogas plants disseminated in Kenya
• applications of biogas technology in Kenya
• factors affecting use of biogas technology
• factors affecting acceptability and adoption of the technology.
Information collection
The information in this book was collected from various parts of the country including Meru and Embu
in central Kenya; Kericho, Nandi, Kisumu and Kakamega in the Westem and Rift Valley provinces; and
the coastal districts of Kilifi and K wale. Sourcing of information was through a variety of methods
including:
• arranged discussions with various resource persons in organisations that promote and
disseminate biogas technology in the country
• random interviews with 43 users
• review of literature on biogas technology in Kenya
• field visits and observation of installed biogas plants.
The literature review
Several publications and printed literature were reviewed and information that was found appropriate to
the survey is incorporated in this book.
Results of a previous assessment on biogas projects
By the time the survey was carried out, only one other study had previously been conducted on biogas.
The survey was carried out between November, 1992 and August, 1993. It was to evaluate the
performance of some selected biogas plants within the Christian Intermediate Technology Centre
project area. The purpose of the survey was to:
• obtain more information relating to gas production and utilisation among households with
biogas plants
• determine the benefits, if any, of the biogas plant to the users