UNDERPINNING FACTORS FOR THE DEVELOPMENT OF A COMMERCIALIZATON STRATEGY FOR SMALL WIND SYTEMS IN KENYA

Kenya experiences an average wind speed of 3-4m/s which could provide excellent opportunity for wind energy. However, the cost of acquisition is proving to be inhibiting as demonstrated by the slow uptake of the technology given the massive potential the country holds. This paper aims to provide an understanding of small wind energy sector  with  regarding  to  the  current  status  of  the under  pinning  issues  for  informing the  development  of  a commercialization  strategy for  unlocking  the market potential  of  small  wind turbine  systems  (SWTs).  The objectives  are  to conduct technology  and  stakeholders mapping  of  small  wind turbines  and to  determine  the pricing  model  for  SWT  for  different  materials. The  research has  utilized social  and  scientific  methods  of  data collection. This  includes stakeholder mapping  and  participatory  market mapping  exercise which lays  anunderstanding of the underlying issues in the market. A willingness-to-pay analysis shows that users are keen on observing value  for  money  for  different  SWTs  sizes  and  rotor  materials. Price modeling  as  a  tool  helps in determining the optimal cost per kWh.  Inadequate marketing strategies and low efficient SWS are some of the factors affecting the growth of local manufacturers in addition to lack of economies of scale. The paper present the current technology status, with  regard  to  current types/models of wind turbines sold in  Kenya  their  component costs  and  capacities. It  further  provides  the  market  players,  market  gaps  and  unitized  optimal  pricing  for  small wind turbines. Key words: Commercialization strategy, small wind systems, decentralized energy, Market analysis, price modelling,