Effect of Socioeconomic Determinants on Access to Clean and Safe Water in Urban Kenya

Abstract

The provision of safe drinking water is a significant global social policy challenge due to its fundamental importance in sustaining human life. In urban areas of Kenya, the rate of population increase frequently exceeds the pace at which infrastructure and services can be constructed or enhanced. Consequently, individuals residing in urban areas frequently turn to other water sources, which may be potentially hazardous, thereby exacerbating risks to their overall health and welfare. Hence, it is imperative to analyze the impact of various demographic characteristics on individuals' access to clean drinking water inside the metropolitan areas of Kenya. The objective of this study was to examine the influence of socioeconomic factors on water accessibility in urban regions of Kenya. Specifically, the study sought to examine the impact of household head characteristics on the availability of clean and safe water in urban regions of Kenya. Additionally, the study aimed to assess the influence of household characteristics on access to clean and safe water in urban areas of Kenya. The 2015/2016 Kenya Integrated Household Budget Survey was utilized as the main source of secondary data. By employing the probit model, the study's results indicate that persons who reside with partners see a notable increase in the likelihood of accessing clean water. Furthermore, the significance of education has become evident as a crucial factor, specifically in relation to the correlation between achieving secondary school education and the likelihood of gaining access to clean water. Based on the research outcomes, it is strongly recommended that the government should give precedence to policies pertaining to investments in educational infrastructure, curricula, and awareness campaigns. Additionally, it is suggested that programs targeting the improvement of individuals in lower socioeconomic brackets should be introduced, offering financial aid for the development and upkeep of water infrastructure.