INDOOR AIR POLLUTION FROM HOUSEHOLD ENERGY USE IN KENYA: ANALYSIS OF THE HEALTH OUTCOMES AND ABATEMENT EFFORTS
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Date
2015-09-08
Authors
OSIOLO, HELEN HOKA
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
University of Nairobi
Abstract
This thesis investigates the health outcomes of indoor air pollution from household
energy use and demand for IAP abatement interventions. It has four objectives; first it
determines the factors that influence the levels of indoor air pollution from household
energy use, second it investigates the association between indoor air pollution form
household energy use and ill health, third it estimates the health cost and productivity
effects of household energy use and lastly it analyses the demand for indoor air pollution
abatement interventions.
The study uses data from the Kenya Integrated Household Budget Survey conducted by
the Government of Kenya in 2005/06. Different approaches, including; the Conditional
Mixed Process ordered probit, Multivariate regression and the Heckman sample selection
models are used to correct for endogeneity, address unobserved heterogeneity and sample
selection bias. The study also uses the cost of illness approach to estimate the health cost
and productivity effects of household energy use. The results indicate that education,
income and type of dwelling are the key factors that influence the level of indoor air
pollution. In particular, households with low levels of income and those living in
manyatta type of dwellings are likely to encounter high levels of indoor air pollution. The
findings indicate that household members using firewood, kerosene and traditional stove
appliances are likely to manifest upper respiratory infection, lower respiratory infection
and eyes illness. In addition, the health cost for lower respiratory illness and eyes illness
are found to be higher than for upper respiratory illness.
Consequently the results show that; the geographical location, type of household energy
used, cooking place/area, type of dwelling, income and whether households had a
chimney or not are key factors that determines the demand for indoor air pollution
abatement interventions. In order to reduce indoor air pollution and improve health
outcomes, it is important the government introduces policies that target reduction of
indoor air pollution from household energy use. Though such policies may include
enhancing the use of modern energy, improved stoves and chimney as indoor air
pollution abatement interventions; there is need to focus on income, education, age, and
residential location.