TITLE:
Towards Data-Driven Energy Planning in Higher Education: An Inventory-Based Energy Consumption Analysis at JKUAT, Kenya
AUTHORS:
James Paul Okwii, Francis Xavier Ochieng, David Mulati
KEYWORDS:
University Energy Inventory, Campus Sustainability, Sub-Saharan Africa, Student Enrolment, Climate Influence
JOURNAL NAME:
Journal of Power and Energy Engineering,
Vol.13 No.10,
October
23,
2025
ABSTRACT: Buildings play a substantial role in global energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions, including residential, commercial, industrial, and educational structures. They account for about 40% of total global energy use and nearly one-third of greenhouse gas emissions. In Sub-Saharan Africa, educational buildings may consume less energy than commercial or industrial sectors, but their demand is becoming increasingly important due to digital learning, longer operating hours, and diverse campus facilities. However, limited data, lack of local research, and poor monitoring have made it difficult to assess and manage energy use, particularly in East Africa. This study aimed to develop a comprehensive inventory of energy consumption and building usage for university buildings at Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (JKUAT). The inventory compiles electricity consumption records from 2018-2024, alongside student enrolment data and climate variables, to capture both historical and seasonal trends. Annual energy use ranged from 2.33 GWh in 2020, during COVID-19 disruptions, to 3.28 GWh in 2018, with July emerging as the peak month of demand. Statistical analysis showed a strong positive correlation between energy consumption and institutional enrolment (r = 0.63), while associations with climate were modest like temperature (r = 0.16) and rainfall (r = –0.21). This foundational inventory not only highlights the growing influence of institutional growth on energy demand but also establishes a data-driven platform for predictive modelling. The study supports the development of evidence-based energy policies and sustainable planning frameworks within higher education institutions in Sub-Saharan Africa.