Prof. Nicholas Mariita

Worldwide, technological change has been found to be the largest contributor to a fall in energy intensity in any economy, but its effect is largely offset by increased demand for energy due to growth of stocks of energy-using capital. I used to work as research scientist with Dedan Kimathi University of Technology, being a geophysicist by profession and specialised in researching on understanding the drivers of change in Kenya energy intensity, but I am retired. Nevertheless, I am in close collaboration with my former institution.

My interests include topics such as: (1) Constraints to energy efficiency programs, (2) Strategies for energy efficiency programs, (3) Strategies for financing energy efficiency, (4) Choosing efficient products and (5) Simple ways of cutting home/industry energy costs. My current research in this area includes a field and modelling study aimed at understanding how the availability of extra electrical power affects growth and outputs of small-scale industries in Kenya.

I am actively involved in funded research projects, e.g., the PI of “GeoPower Africa” (financed by USAID to the tune of USD 300,000) and a Co-PI of “Designing better geothermal facilities” (financed by NACOSTI to the tune of Ksh 10 Million).

I have supervised 1 PhD, and several Masters and Bachelor Students in their projects and theses of Nairobi University, JomoKenya University of Agriculture & Technology and Kenyatta University.

I have also published several papers and attended and participated in many workshops. I have been involved in consultancy work in Zambia (2006), Uganda (2008), Djibouti (2007) and Rwanda 2009/2010) on geophysical and environmental aspects of geothermal resources.