Analysis of household water demand, distribution and community management strategies in Nyangores subcatchment, Bomet County, Kenya
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Date
2016-02
Authors
Cheruiyot, Koech John
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Kenyatta University
Abstract
Access to quality water remains a key indicator of an improved social and economic life
of any community. Due to an increasing human population, changes in land use
activities and climate variability, Nyangores Basin in Kenya has been under pressure
and for this reason, availability and access to quality and sufficient quantity of water has
been adversely affected. Despite government plans to ensure all households access
piped water; this has not been achieved as coverage is still very low. The main cause of
lack of access to quality water from improved sources for household use is unclear. In
addition, household access, distribution and management of improved water demand
including rural water supply coverage and maintenance of water distribution systems in
the basin is not documented. The objectives of this study were to determine the
magnitude of household water demand, identify key factors that influence the magnitude
of water demand and distribution and to examine the effectiveness of the current water
use management strategies in Nyangores sub-catchment. The study employed
descriptive statistics based on survey responses from a total of 300 households picked
from Silibwet, Bomet and Sigor divisions. Household level data was supplemented with
key informant interviews of 20 professionals from the Ministry of Water and Irrigation,
Water Service Board and WRMA officials. The study also relied on secondary data
from the National Housing and Population Census report and the meter reading reports
at the District offices. Data was entered, coded and analysed using SPSS version 19 and
Ms-excel. Results indicate that income, household size and distance from homesteads to
water sources are major determinants of domestic water demand. Human population has
been growing rapidly and is putting a lot of pressure on available water resources,
whose quality has greatly deteriorated due to intensified human activities such as
agriculture and livestock production. The current mean water demand stands at 9,745 m3
per day, which is largely met by unsafe water sources. Women and girls bear the
greatest brunt of water related access constraints because they spent a lot of time
fetching water and this also exposes them to health and safety risks. The expansion of
piped water supply is slow with only 5.3% coverage since 2003. The community water
use management strategies are below 30% and UfW is 53.77% up from a benchmark of
25%. Non-payment of water bills is increasing at the rate of 4 % per month.
Management strategies currently employed include rationing, public education on
efficient water use while metering, pricing and enforcement of legislation on water
governance are employed on a limited extent. The study recommends the county and
national governments to promote watershed and basin protection, harnessing of
underground water resources and investment in more rain water harvesting
infrastructure to reduce reliance on rivers. It is important to promote efficient use of
water by the local community, promote growth of non-agricultural income generating
activities to create effective demand for water and aim to supply safe water to within a
radius of 200 metres from homes.
Description
A thesis submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the award of Degree of Master of Science in Hydrology and Water Resources Management in the School of Pure and Applied Sciences of Kenyatta University. February, 2016