John M. Watila

Master of Information Technology

1. Dr. Anselemo P. Ikoha
2. Mr. Juma H. Kilwake

ABSTRACT

Information and communications technology (ICT) systems are the core of today’s knowledge based society. These systems constitute an important category of electricity load which is growing exponentially. The core problem facing ICT sector is that whilst equipments are getting more efficient (power consumption), the gross energy demand of ICT is still rising because ICTs are increasingly becoming large in number. High electricity tariffs and associated maintenance costs of consumer electronics for ICT (CE-ICT) equipment is cited as one of the challenges facing Kenyan institutions of higher learning towards achieving sustainable ICT centers. Thus there is need to recognize the importance of using ICT equipment more rationally for saving energy in offices and institutional buildings by improving ICT power quality, reducing energy wastage, reducing maintenance cost and minimizing the ICT footprint. The purpose of the study is to develop a framework for intelligent management of power quality practices for efficient greener ICT centers through sustainable hardware utilization practices in higher educational institutions. The study seeks to evaluate the quality of power consumption (power usage effectiveness) for ICT centers in Kenyan higher educational institutions and establish a framework that enhances best practice for energy quality and efficiency of these centers. Mixed method research design involving experimental and survey will be used in the study. The target population for this study will comprise Universities and Tertiary Training colleges. Using stratified random sampling, the study population n, will be calculated using Slovin’s formula; (n= (N/ (1+N (e) 2))). Data will be obtained using questionnaires, interviews and observation. It will then be categorized through coding and tabulation. Descriptive statistics involving measures of central tendency and measures of distribution will be used in the analysis of data. ICT center power quality will be analyzed using Fluke 434 power quality analyzer. The findings of the study are expected to help Kenyan higher educational institutions to reduce cost on energy tariffs due to CE-ICT, improve power quality of the grid through smart consumption, and improve the environment by reducing the carbon footprint due to ICT.