Assessing Challenges of Urban Water Supply: The Case of Low- Income Households in Migori Town, Migori County Kenya
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Date
2024-04
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Kenyatta University
Abstract
Lack of access to safe water remains a significant challenge in developing countries.
There has been a challenge when it comes to provision of clean and adequate water to
the low income households living in urban areas such as Migori Town. Numerous
reasons beyond individual’s households capability have been identified, despite having
numerous water projects and government actions. The aims of the study were to
establish sources of water, examine water inadequacy, coping strategies and
effectiveness of water-use strategies among the low income households in Migori
Town. The research was guided by the research questions for each objective. The
research can be used to justify the need for policy implementation pertaining to
challenges of water provision in Migori Town. Descriptive Survey Design was used to
explore the challenges of water supply in the six informal estates of Migori town that
is Soweto, Sauri Yako, Panda, Pieri, Dip and Nyangubo. Data was collected through
semi-structured interviews and through observations. Pearson Correlation Coefficient
was used to identify significant correlations between water supply and demand. It was
also used to test the null hypothesis. The research was guided by Graph Theory of
water supply by Euler Leonhard which advocates for a design of water portioning for
both multiple and single source networks. The research findings showed that
MIWASCO is the official water supplier in Migori though not a major distributor of
water to the low income households in Migori Town. Some individuals used
alternative water sources which were not fit for their consumption. Long distances in
search of water was established to be dangerous. It prevented women and children
from carrying out other activities for the day thus jeopardizing income generation
within households. Due to long distances, 82.7% of the respondents rely on water
vendors who were very costly (charging up to Kshs. 20/= per 20 litre).The study was
limited to a sample and thereby recommends that future research should cover all town
residents. From the findings the efforts should be directed towards eliminating the
challenges of water shortages and reduce the risk factors associated with water
shortages. Areas for further study are to examine influence of governance and
infrastructure on the effective water supply within the informal settlements
Description
A Thesis Submitted in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements of the Degree of Master of Arts in Geography (Urban and Regional Planning) to the School of Law, Arts and Social Sciences of Kenyatta University April, 2024
Supervisors:
1. Philomena Muiruri
2. Leonard Kisovi