Assessing Deployment of Emerging Innovations and Technologies in Catalysing Sustainable Water Services Provision in Nairobi City County, Kenya: Case of Soweto Kayole Jisomee Mita

Abstract

Water services provision and sanitation challenges are still prominent in the informal settlements such as Soweto Kayole (SK) characterised by poor water distribution networks, high population with low income level while posing high demand for water supply which the water utility cannot manage to meet as evidenced with frequent water supply rationing. Deployment of Jisomee Mita (JM) intervention as an emerging technology and innovation could help residents of Nairobi City County and Nairobi City Water and Sewerage Company (NCWSC) with more efficient, innovative, and profitable water services provision. The study assessed the successes and challenges of deployment of technology and innovation in catalysing sustainable water services provision, in SK slum, Nairobi City, Kenya. A total of 329 interviewed including local residents, landlords, staff from NCWSC and World Bank, apart from local water vendors, operators and community representatives. Descriptive statistics and correlational analysis used to analyse the data and descriptive statistics used to interpret the findings. Inferential statistics used to establish the level of deployment of technology and innovation in catalysing sustainable water services provision. Main finding was that JM as an emerging technology and innovation was not fully aligned to the expectations of the residents of SK as depicted by the numerous misalignments both internally and externally denying the poor residents their intended water tariff benefits instead transferring to the rich property owners. JM initiative however proved feasible for the informal settlement and can be scaled up provided that the existing structures are strengthened, pro-poor and social connection policy promoted by the government and innovative financing and community engagement and participation explored appropriately. Government of Kenya and key stakeholders should prioritize and promote innovative financing for water provision, management of non-revenue water, adoption and uptake of pro poor strategies, social policy and emerging technologies and innovations to help in sustainability and management of the water services provision to the populace. The success of deploying science technology and innovation in the sector is enhanced efficient and effective delivery of critical and essential services while the main challenge is on the initial costs required and adoption and uptake by end users.