The application of IWRM principles in Kerarapon water project, Ngong, Kajiado district.

Abstract

Kajiado District about 25km from Nairobi City. The water scheme covers an area of 3.7 km² and supplies water to the area’s residents for domestic and livestock use. A central challenge facing the area has been the availability of water, which is supplied to the residents twice a week. Water demand for an urbanizing population increases the stress on the limited water resources, and exacerbates competition between the sectoral users of Kibiko, Veterinary Farm and Kerarapon residents. Similarly, the competing demands from the water scheme have resulted in conflicts between the KWP management, and the Olopolos and Maasai pastoral communities who rely on the same water source for their livelihoods. The water is not treated and is taken directly from the Gakong Springs. This study aimed at assessing the quantity of the water, its use based on the principles of Integrated Water Resources Management which stipulates the efficient use of water, and the active involvement of all stakeholders in decision-making processes towards the sustenance of water resources. Based on the concept of IWRM, it was established that, at present, the water demand at Kerarapon is greater than the water supply from the catchment area, which has been worsened by the inefficient water uses. Moreover, there is a general lack of water management practices which has led to increasing water losses. The catchment area should be protected from environmental degradation such as poor land management, bad agricultural practices and advice should be sought from relevant stakeholders. The absence of environmentally sustainable water resources management policies such as IWRM, has contributed to the arising tensions amongst various sectoral users. The IWRM principle which states that ‘women play a central part in the provision, management and safeguarding of water’ is essential in the local context of the Kerarapon Water Project, which is hampered by a lack of capacity building, as well as the presence of women in decisionmaking. Although there is a legitimate water users association in place, the recognition of women in the planning, development and management of water resources is fundamental. Addressing the present and future water related problems in KWP, calls for proper water management. The existing inadequacy of water from the springs must be rectified by exploring alternative options to improve the water availability. The soil tests conducted have indicated that the existing soil type within the catchment area has a good soil water intake. This research recommends the practicing of artificial water recharge methods, to increase groundwater resources in the catchment area. Similarly, addressing the water quality in the area should be strongly emphasized, in order to improve the present water treatment processes. In addition, a concerted effort should be made by the water management committee to familiarize itself with legal, institutional and policy documents related to the water sector, to enable the successful implementation of the IWRM concept in KWP.