Comparative analysis of rural communities’ tradeoffs in large-scale and small-scale renewable energy projects in Kenya

Abstract In Kenya's dynamic renewable energy landscape, characterized by complex policy frameworks, complex land tenure regimes, and diverse community dynamics, this qualitative research investigates the mechanisms and motivations guiding community decision-making when trading land for electricity access within the context of renewable energy projects. Through the lens of the Institutional Analysis and Development (IAD) framework, particularly the rules in use, this study unravels the complexities of rural communities’ trade-offs inherent in both large-scale and small-scale renewable energy projects. Data was collected through in-depth interviews, focus group discussions, and participant observations in rural communities engaged in these projects. The findings offer new insights into communities’ decision-making processes and institutional dynamics in shaping outcomes, with a focus on land rights and land use implications. The analysis highlights the relational nature of the trade-offs, influenced by factors such as land tenure systems, project scale, electricity access, traditional knowledge, and local context, supporting the importance of understanding communities’ diverse roles and positions, power dynamics, and governance structures. Overall, this study contributes to a deeper understanding of the complexities surrounding land-electricity trade-offs in renewable energy projects in rural areas, emphasizing the need for adaptable strategies to address evolving community needs and challenges.